In the midst of financial challenges in public education, Houston Schools continues to eye improvements on campus in creative ways.
Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent, shared updates on completed projects as well as hopeful future ones with the board of education during last week’s monthly meeting.
“Good examples of how we have to be creative.”
Copley said the spring renovations of the softball fields and building of the commercial kitchen for Family and Consumer Sciences are examples of how to make improvements with community assistance and outside funding. The installation of a four-pole net system and new dugouts at the softball fields included private donations and labor, grant monies as well as collaboration with the Building Trades program. The kitchen was built with aid from state and local grants as well as donations from West Plains Bank & Trust and the Houston Education Foundation. Students in Building Trades also assisted with labor.
“Those are good examples of how we – in this climate of financing in public education – have to be creative.”
Superintendent Dr. Justin Copley
Shifting funding sources
The Houston R-1 School District currently utilizes $500,000 in grant funding to supplement staff salaries. Copley anticipates those funds, which have existed post Covid since 2020, could end any year.
The district’s operating levy remained at the state minimum of $2.75 and debt service levy at $0.80 following the annual tax rate hearing prior to the board meeting.
“For districts who have an operating level of 2.75, it’s going to be a struggle to keep a positive outlook on your financial status,” Copley said. “There are some foreseeable challenges. We will continue to have those conversations. We’re not trying to cause alarm for people. We’re just recognizing that things cost more. Your staff costs more. Your grocery bills cost more. To keep the lights on costs more.”
As part of the financially-focused two-hour meeting, LJ Hart shared an analysis with the board that included bonding capacity and cash flows. The group said the district’s proposed bond issue size is $3.25 million.
Following the presentation, the board unanimously approved a pre-payment to its escrow account of $450,000 – saving taxpayers $60,750 of interest, Copley said, and allowing the district to maintain its $0.80 debt service levy.
Copley said the presentation was beneficial and necessary as the board considers all possibilities.
“We want to be well educated so that we can make the best decision financially moving forward,” he said.
Current projects and outlook
As part of his presentation, Copley shared current projects – improvements at the Piney River Technical Center, installation of turf and rubber at The Powerhouse training facility and a new scoreboard in the spring for Carter Field – as well as future facility needs. Among them were the middle school towers and gymnasium, additional bathrooms at the Early Childhood Center and the dilapidated track.
Copley said the middle school is “still a very top priority.” He also shared a track and field request for quotation with the board that will be posted publicly on Monday.
“We’re trying to keep the momentum going,” Copley said. “I hope people continue to remain patient as we continue our efforts. We’re making progress in a lot of areas.”