HISD passes $1.62 billion budget

HOUSTON – HISD board members passed a $1.62 billion budget deal on Monday night.

In the meeting, board members heard from supporters and opponents of the deal. The district says the move will put more money into classrooms to help at-risk children, and give a 2 percent pay raise to all employees.

The budget includes $16 million to provide longer school days and tutoring to students at the original Apollo 20 turnaround schools, plus Furr, Waltrip, Wheatley, and Worthing high schools; and Deady, and Holland middle schools. 

The 6-to-3 vote clears the way for a 2-cent tax hike for taxpayers across Harris County.

According to HISD, that 2-cent hike  would cost the owner of the average HISD home with a market value of $209,249 an additional $30.48 per year, or $2.54 per month.