Board Approves Budget

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the adoption of the Tyler ISD operating budget for the 2008-2009 school year. The approved budget is for $129,987,549 and includes an increase in starting teacher salaries from $38,000 to $39,500; raises of $1,200 per teacher at a cost of $2 million; and an increase in other employee salaries of 3% of the midpoint at a cost of $1.2 million.

Board Approves Tax Rate

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the adoption of the $1.21 tax rate for the 2008-2009 school year. The tax rate of $1.21 is the rate necessary to fund the District's general operating and debt service fund budgets for 2008-2009.

Board Approves Final Amended Budget

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the final amended budget for the 2007-2008 school year for general operating, food service, and debt service fund revenues and expenditures.

Board Approves Wireless Network Installation

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the purchase of wireless network equipment in and network wiring. The total project cost is $353,126.86. The funding for the wireless networks will be provided by E-rate fund balance. A campus-wide wireless network will enable mobile computer labs to be deployed to meet the needs for increased availability of technology to our students and provide additional computers to allow on-line testing for larger numbers of students. Wireless networks also provide flexibility for our teachers to use their laptops anywhere on the campus. Campuses that do not have wireless networks available are: Rice, Dixie, Hubbard, Birdwell, Plyler, Owens, Stewart, Hogg, Clarkston, Caldwell, Griffin, Jones, St. Louis, Woods, PACE and the Peete Annex. Additional wireless antennas are needed at Bell, Ramey and Jack Elementary schools to increase the wireless coverage.

Board Approves Engineering Services

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the District to enter contract negotiations for architectural and engineering services with Eubanks-Harris- Roberts-Craig Architects and Corgan/Sinclair and Wright Architects for projects included in the November 2008 Bond Election. These firms would begin the early process of designs for the proposed new school facilities.