Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) managers voted unanimously on Tuesday to keep the district’s property tax rate at $1.029099 per $100 valuation for the 2026-27 school year. The decision comes as the district anticipates a larger budget shortfall after the Texas Appraisal District froze residential property values at 2024 levels for the second consecutive year.
Budget outlook and shortfall concerns
In June, the board approved a nearly $1.1 billion budget that already includes a $49.8 million gap. Deputy Superintendent Kellie Spencer, who is now overseeing the budget while the district searches for a new chief financial officer, said the exact size of the additional shortfall remains unclear. “We are updating the budget to reflect the lower revenue we expect from the frozen appraisals,” Spencer explained. Any adjustments will be presented to the board for approval.
Why the tax rate was not increased
Board member Tennessee Walker, appointed by the state, emphasized that raising the tax rate was not an option. “I’m not a fan of taxation without representation,” Walker said, noting that the board members were not elected by the community. The current levy is slightly below the no‑new‑revenue rate of $1.029687, which would have generated the same amount of tax income as the previous year. However, it is the highest rate the board can set without seeking voter approval in the November election.
Community reactions
Reactions from parents were mixed. Sabrina Ball, a FWISD parent and community activist, criticized the board for what she called fiscally irresponsible decisions, saying, “You barreled through a tax rate vote that will increase the deficit and more spending on curriculum without transparency.” In contrast, fellow parent Bryan Lingle thanked Walker for acknowledging that the appointed managers are exercising taxing authority that was once held by elected trustees.
Appraisal context
The Tarrant Appraisal District has kept residential values at their 2024 levels for two years, with reappraisals scheduled in alternating years. While taxing entities can adjust rates, exemptions, protests, and adjustments can reduce taxable value, limiting revenue growth.
Next steps
FWISD staff will continue to refine the budget to reflect the anticipated revenue shortfall. The board will review the revised budget at a future meeting, and any further changes to the tax rate will require voter approval in the upcoming November election.
Jacob Sanchez is education editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @_jacob_sanchez.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
