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Kilgore ISD presents Proposition A ahead of November ballot, says measure would keep $1.8 million local
Summary
District staff showed a video and audit materials explaining Proposition A, a voter-approval tax ratification election the board will place on the November ballot that officials say would access an estimated $1.8 million in state funding without raising the district—s total tax rate.
Kilgore Independent School District officials on Monday presented a voter-approval tax ratification election they will ask voters to decide in November, saying the question is designed to keep an estimated $1.8 million in state funding in Kilgore schools without increasing the district—s total tax rate.
The board previewed a short video and accompanying materials explaining Proposition A, which the district described as a ballot question to add five cents to the maintenance and operations (M&O) portion of the tax rate while holding the combined rate the same. "If passed, Proposition A will maximize state funding by keeping an estimated $1,800,000 here locally in our Kilgore schools," the video said.
The presentation, led by Miss Cox and a recorded narrator, explained the distinction between M&O (used for salaries, curriculum, buses and utilities) and interest-and-sinking (I&S) funds (used only for debt service on voter-approved bonds). Officials emphasized state-required ballot language limits what the district may display on the ballot itself. "State law requires very specific language on the ballot, and Kilgore ISD cannot alter that language in any way," the video said, noting the ballot will not explain all local clarifications.
Consultant Dr. Amber Lissing later summarized the district—s fiscal context during an efficiency audit presentation, saying the district had adopted five "golden" pennies previously and is now seeking five additional pennies (three golden, two copper) via a taxpayer referendum to generate additional revenue. Dr. Lissing showed peer comparisons and said the district currently receives about $9,926 per student in revenue compared with roughly $10,401 for peer districts.
Board members asked officials about outreach and logistics; staff noted early voting across Gregg and Rusk counties will run Oct. 20—1 Oct. 31, with Election Day on Nov. 4. District materials directed voters to kisd.org for more information.
The board did not take a final vote on the tax rate at Monday—s meeting; the presentation and audit materials were presented to inform trustees and the public prior to required tax hearings and the formal adoption timeline.
