Alvarado ISD school board trustees adopted an operating budget that lowered the district’s property tax rate and provided a five percent raise for all educators during Monday’s special meeting.

The lower tax rate of $1.3546 is comprised of $0.8546 for maintenance and operating expenses in the general fund and $0.50 for interest and sinking expenses for debt service. The new overall rate represents a decrease of $0.0174 below the previous rate of $1.372. The tax rate is levied on each $100 of property valuation.

“Lowering the tax rate and doing so while also making sure every one of our educators received a raise really speaks to the incredible job our finance team and Board have done,” Alvarado ISD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Estes said. “When we spoke to our community about the bond last spring we told them the passing of a bond would not increase the tax rate. It is great to see this budget accomplishes and honors that commitment.”