TAX NEWS - 2010

Trustees seek public input on Tax rate

The Coppell ISD school board passed a resolution Tuesday night for a notice of a public meeting to discuss the proposed tax rate.

"The resolution regarding the tax rate that the board passed was for us to publish our proposed tax rate in the paper," said Kelly Penny, chief financial officer for the district. "Then to have the tax rate hearing on June 21 to get public input."

The district will be seeking a full 13 cent increase in maintenance and operations, and it would have to be approved by the voters. It would raise the M and O from 1.04/$100 to 1.17/$100, Penny said.

The resolution passed 6-0 with Susie Kemp absent from the meeting.

In other action, the board approved a program for 17 students and two chaperones to travel to China in the summer to study the Chinese language as guests of Hanban, the office of Chinese Language Council International. The vote was 6-0.

The students will pay for their flight, $100 registration fee and the cost of their visa/passport. The school district will not pay for anything.

"Their food and transportation once they get there is all paid for," said Mechelle Bryson, director of school improvement. "They (Hanban) invited us to come, and the invitation pays for everything."

There were 35 Texas students invited, and Coppell was given 17 slots, Bryson said.

The summer camp program runs from July 7 to July 22.

While there the students will study the Chinese language and culture, including calligraphy, brush painting, a tea ceremony, martial arts and much more, as well as a friendly basketball game and an international student get-together.

"Our students are a combination of New Tech High and CHS students," Bryson said.

They will also be experiencing various points of interest and view sites of natural beauty while they travel in China.