Anyone Else Find Property Taxes High In TX?

[gregandvicky]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

No, actually, I don't. I realize the dropout rate cited by the TEA is probably conservative; that doesn't mean Texas isn't chock full of excellent public schools with terrific graduation rates, and more so than most other states. Most of the dropouts are from Houston ISD and Dallas schools, notorious for their issues, but even as bad as Houston is, we are still way ahead of places like L.A., New York, Cleveland, Baltimore, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Milwaukee, Denver, and Las Vegas.

And, yes, the graduation rate has increased across Texas. That means it's getting better; perhaps not as fast as you like, but it's improving in the areas that need it most. According to the TEA, the overall graduation rate has risen from 79.5% in 1999 to 85% in 2005. Not bad, IMHO...and the Legislature has approved to spend $50 million dollars on just preventing dropouts from Texas high schools. I certainly don't think people are treating the issue lightly.

I pay $3.12 per $100 valuation, and I live in one of the best school districts in the city. It's worth every penny.

Still worth it?

Associated Press - October 4, 2007 6:25 AM ET

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A national study finds that the standardized tests given to Texas public school students aren't as hard to pass as those given in other states.

[imaterry78259]

How can the property tax be so high and our schools are so bad. The one room schoolhouse produced Lincoln

[CallMeLaura]

You know, the parents have something to do with a child's education, too...

I feel you get what you deserve if you let the public school system take over raising your kid(s).

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by CallMeLaura

You know, the parents have something to do with a child's education, too...

I feel you get what you deserve if you let the public school system take over raising your kid(s).

AMEN to that one. Truer words were never spoken.

[cdelena]

Originally Posted by imaterry78259

How can the property tax be so high and our schools are so bad. The one room schoolhouse produced Lincoln

Property taxes are high because of poor fiscal management by the state, local government, and school districts.

Schools are good or bad not because of funding alone, but because of school board management. Throwing money at schools will get you better buildings, more administration, and nicer sports facilities much faster than it will get you good education.