The Austin Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind Austin ISD's Proposition A, citing the importance of investing in education for the future business leaders of the community. Jeremy Martin, president and CEO of the Chamber, endorsed the tax hike proposal that would see Austin ISD voters possibly facing an increase in property taxes, according to KVUE. Martin expressed at a press conference the need to "continue investing in our schools" to maintain Austin as a fitting place for working and living, now and in the future.
The proposed raise would see the average Austin ISD homeowner paying an additional $34 a month. AISD hopes to net an extra $41 million each year through this initiative, purportedly to rectify a dire budget shortfall that compromises pay for teachers and staff and funding for campus support jobs. In response, AISD's board has already slashed $30 million and eyes further cuts totaling $92 million over the next few years, KVUE reports. However, exemptions for homeowners over 65 years of age mean they would not be subject to the proposed tax increase.
As detailed by CBS Austin, Proposition A is to appear on the November 5 ballot, providing voters the opportunity to approve funding for improvements in teacher and staff wages along with added support positions on campus. AISD plans for $17.8 million of the annual $41 million to emphasize market adjustments and significant raises for the district's most seasoned staff members.
Community outreach has been fervent with parents like Francesca Fraga Leahy, who spent her weekend advocating for Prop A, assuring that teachers and staff are aptly compensated in the face of Austin’s escalating cost of living. "Anything that I can do to show up for our teachers, our schools and all of the hardworking professionals that make them work is the least I can do," Leahy told KVUE. To further inform voters, AISD has scheduled an online discussion regarding Prop A, set to be conducted in both English and Spanish, details of which can be found on the AISD website.
