Lake Worth Independent School District taxpayers will see the same school property tax rate this year, but the tax bill on a median‑valued home drops about $112 compared with last year, according to data from the Tarrant Appraisal District.
Tax rate unchanged, maintenance costs down
On Sept. 16, the state‑appointed board of managers unanimously approved a tax rate of $1.2265 per $100 of taxable property value – the exact rate the district adopted for the 2025‑26 school year. The rate is composed of $0.7265 for maintenance and operations, which covers day‑to‑day expenses, and a flat $0.50 for debt service.
Chief Financial Officer DeAnne Page noted that the maintenance‑and‑operations portion has been on a steady decline, falling from $1.0191 in 2021 to its current level. The debt‑service portion has remained steady at $0.50 throughout that period.
Home values and tax bills
Tarrant Appraisal District records show the median taxable value of a Lake Worth ISD home fell from $86,758 in 2025 to $77,650 this year. Using the unchanged tax rate, a homeowner with that median value would owe about $952 in school taxes for 2026‑27, down from roughly $1,064 the prior year – a reduction of roughly $112.
The district’s taxpayer impact statement estimates the tax bill on a “median‑valued homestead” at $2,807.85 for the current year, about $55 less than last year. Those estimates are based on taxable value after applying exemptions.
Exemptions help lower the tax base
Texas law exempts $140,000 of a homeowner’s primary residence from school taxation. In 2026, 2,264 Lake Worth ISD homeowners claimed the state‑mandated general homestead exemption, removing about $302.5 million in property value from the tax base.
Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled homeowners, and other qualifying residents. For example, homeowners age 65 or older or those with disabilities can receive an extra $60,000 exemption from school district taxes.
Budget shortfall and the district’s plan
The tax rate will support the district’s 2026‑27 budget, which the board approved in June with projected revenue of about $39.8 million and anticipated spending of $41.2 million, leaving a shortfall of roughly $1.38 million. Superintendent Ena Meyers explained that the shortfall was intentional.
“We are working toward restoring our financial stability while also improving our student outcomes,” Meyers told managers. “We are not deficit cutting for its own sake.”
Local impact and next steps
While the tax rate remains flat, the decline in median home values and the continued use of exemptions have produced a modest relief for many homeowners. Individual tax bills will still vary based on specific property values and exemption eligibility.
Page cautioned that the 2026 figures are estimates based on currently available information and may be refined as the year progresses.
Lake Worth ISD’s approach reflects a focus on fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential services for students, aligning with the district’s commitment to both financial stability and educational quality.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
