The Pasadena Independent School District adopted its tax rate at the Sept. 25 board meeting which reflects a reduction of $.34 cents per $100 for taxpayers. The Board of Trustees adopted a $1.35 tax rate for the year, which also reflects the amount voters supported for the 2004 bond.

“We are extremely diligent with our taxpayers’ money,” explains Kirk Lewis, Superintendent of Schools. “We appreciate their support of our students and want to be good stewards. We are pleased that we have been able to carry out the building allowed under the 2004 bond at less cost to homeowners. We understand the sacrifice that each is making for the future of our community through the education of our students.”

The district also received a Superior rating on FIRST – the annual Financial Accountability Management Report issued by the state – with a perfect score on all 21 indicators. Pasadena ISD has achieved the Superior rating every year since the inception of the program due to the financial integrity of the district.

John Piscacek, Associate Superintendent of Business, said the report also showed that the district spends over $8 million less for administrators’ salaries than the state standard. “This figure and the expenditures for direct classroom instruction show that our emphasis is on those in our classrooms,” Piscacek explained. He went on to point out that tax collection rate, the fund balance, and the district’s Aa3 bond rating by Moody’s are excellent.