Betsy Wynn, principal at Blattman Elementary School, greets Caitlin and Colby Lorenz on their first day of school on Monday. Also pictured is Steve Lorenz. Photo by Scott Mahon

Northside Independent School District officials have spent the summer doing their homework, tweaking the budget and readying new facilities. This week, everyone — students, parents, teachers and staff — is experiencing the results. There’s even a bonus for some Northside taxpayers in the form of tax relief.

Among the challenges facing school administrators in the rapidly growing district were construction of new facilities and a shrinking tax rate, thanks to a state mandate that school districts must lower ad valorem taxes.

“The district’s tax rate will drop 33 cents this year, as required by a state legislative mandate,” NISD spokeswoman Karen Adler said.

Under the new $1.26 tax rate, the average Northside homeowner, whose home is valued at $154,845, will pay $1,708.05 in annual property taxes. Last year, the average Northside homeowner whose home was valued at $138,434 paid $1,923.13 in property taxes. Even with the higher home value, that’s a decrease of $215.08, Adler said.

She added that taxable values not only include the $15,000 homestead exemption but also include an exemption for a 10 percent cap.

“If your home’s value increased by 10 percent or more, the taxable portion is reduced by that amount. For example, the average market value of $154,845 is reduced by the $15,000 exemption and an average 10 percent cap loss of $4,554,” Adler said.

The average Northside district home has appreciated in the value assessed by the Bexar Appraisal District, and there has been more new construction of higher-priced homes, Adler said.

The board at its Tuesday, Aug. 28 meeting adopted a $907 million budget.

Superintendent John Folks expressed satisfaction with the budget, especially because the Texas Legislature didn’t consider inflation when it set new taxing guidelines and chipped in only $425 in pay raises for each teacher, Adler said, adding that most teachers and district staff members will receive 5 percent salary raises.

“This budget addresses our needs and not much else,” Folks said. “Fortunately our board and our financial staff have been very prudent with way the District spends money.”

The district, with 82,767 students enrolled at 94 schools, is primed for rapid growth.

“Northside is opening three new schools this year and will hire 843 new employees, including teachers, bus drivers, and custodians to accommodate an enrollment that is growing by 4,000 students a year,” Adler said.

The new schools are Aue Elementary, 24750 Baywater Stage on the west side of Interstate 10 at Leon Springs; Driggers Elementary, 6901 Shadow Mist in Leon Valley; and Jefferson Middle School, 10900 Shaenfield Road.