Danville Independent Schools has lowered its real estate tax rate. 

The Board of Education voted unanimously to lower the rate from 98.1 cents per $100 to 97.1 cents per $100. The board made this decision at a board work session Monday evening.

Board Chair Steve Becker spoke on how the district is able to lower the rate. Rarely can a school district both lower its real estate tax rate and receive additional money for the district, but because of increased property values and assessments, the district has this opportunity. 

"This is a great ‘win-win’ for our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Ross. “Not only does this support our scholars — it also shows our tax-paying community we value all they do for our school community."

Having those additional funds will be helpful due to expenses the district faces. Earlier this year, the board approved a $1 per hour pay raise for instructional assistants, bus drivers and cooks, and a 5% raise for all other district employees, and the district is anticipating the purchase of two new school buses. 

Following discussion, Board Member Esther Rugerio made a motion to make the rate 97.1 cents per $100, even lower than the compensating rate plus 4%, at 97.7 cents per $100. 

 “I would be comfortable with a 97.1, then that way we still drop a point, but we have enough to cover for school buses and help with the 5% raise,” Rugerio said. 

In addition to lowering the real estate tax rate, the board also unanimously approved to keep the tangible personal property tax rate and motor vehicle tax rate the same they have been for several years, at about 98.3 cents per $100 and 66.5 cents per $100, respectively. 

In other business, the board: 

• Heard a report from Jimmy Arnold and Bob Miles of Trane Heating & Air Conditioning, who inspected the air quality at the district’s buildings. The report reflected an above-average air quality in district buildings based on carbon dioxide levels, filtration and other factors. This report was conducted following community requests to inspect air quality, since air quality factors into controlling the spread of COVID-19.
• Approved a lease for property on West Lexington Avenue. The district intends to use it for a bus garage. 
• Approved going forward to accept bids for continued construction on the softball concessions stand as well as an interactive, accessible playground at Mary G. Hogsett Primary School. 
• Approved a new position for athletic director clerk to assist Interim Athletic Director C.J. Lynn with the paperwork, finances and other administrative work involved with his role, since he is already a full-time teacher in the district. This new position would only be in place for the year and will no longer be needed once there is a permanent athletic director.