No Tax Rate Increase for Marlin ISD
A Public Hearing: Proposed Tax Rate was the subject of the Marlin ISD Board of Managers’ August 18, meeting in the new Boardroom at Marlin High School. Newly elected President Byrleen Terry presided over the meeting. The Board of Managers (BOM) present were Kathleen Barrett, Rosalyn Dimerson, Misty Ehlers, Billy Johnson, Winnette Outland, Marsha Ridlehuber, and outgoing Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson. Dr. Rolando Trevino, TEA School Conservator, was not in attendance.
Following the opening of the regular meeting, the BOM moved into closed session (a) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, consultation with the district’s attorney regarding deliberation on current litigation and (b) Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074, deliberation of personnel matters.
Returning from the closed session, Dr. Darryl Henson initiated the Superintendent’s Reports. Updates on the Falls County Rural Pathways Excellence Partnership program (RPEP) were shared. The collaboration between Rosebud Lott ISD and Marlin is one of three in the state. Marlin transitioned to the majority Board. Overall, there are 106 Falls County students involved with 17 representing Marlin ISD. Small districts are encouraged to collaborate with MCC, TSTC and ESC. The collaboration offers dual credit alignment, Sports Medicine, Marketing Sales, certificates with MCC, and Robotics & Automation. In addition to Career Tech funds, it is projected schools will receive an additional $120K funding.
Dr. Henson presented the June & July 2025 Financial Reports. Prior to the presentation, the Board was provided with detailed financial reports indicating the district is financially sound. Funding sources include the General Fund, Debt Fund and Construction. Henson noted there was an approximate $90K freeze in Federal funds and the district follows the investment policy according to the 198 Public Fund Investment Act.
On a different note, on completion of the TEA local property survey, it determined that the maximum Maintenance & Operations tax rate is $0.74540. By law, ISD’s must adopt an ad valorem tax rate. The Board of Managers approved the adoption of ad valorem tax rate for Maintenance & Operations for the general fund of $0.74540 per $100 cash valuation and the same levied for the year 2025 on all real, personal and mixed property located within the boundaries of the Marlin ISD. The Interest & Sinking Fund Tax Revenue will remain 0.4700.
Dr. Henson presented a resolution to the Board of Trustees providing for the Defeasance and Calling for Redemption of Certain Currently Outstanding District Obligations. This will reduce the district’s overall debt service requirements and would permit the district to defease selected obligations, which will then be discharged and will no longer be considered outstanding indebtedness before August 31, 2026. The 25-year note will result in savings on interest. Resolution was approved.
Norman Jones, Chief Human Resources Officer, reviewed changes 20252026 Student Code of Conduct. Including the mandated House Bill 1481: Prohibits students using personal communication devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, tablets, and any device capable of texting, calling, recording, or accession the internet. In reviewing the 2025-26 Student Handbook, Jones noted the HB 1481, Chapter 37 update including “There is no longer a maximum limit on the number of days a student may be assigned to in-School Suspension (ISS)” and the E-Cigarette Policy which is no longer classified as a mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DEAP) placement. The offense response guidelines are updated in the discipline matrix. Also, under Dressing/ Grooming (all Grade Levels), “Footwear without a backstrap (house shoes, slides) are not permitted due to safety concerns as students travel stairways/ hallways.” The key Employee Handbook updates were the implementation of Criminal History Background Checks at any time during employment and Black out Days (restrictions on the discretionary use of state/local leave). Employees who have reasonable cause to believe a child’s physical/mental health or welfare has been harmed by abuse or neglect must report it within 23 hours. Jones also noted 11% decrease in insurance contracted amounts.
Prior to returning to closed session, the BOM approved the 2025-26 Salary Schedule and previous June, July, and August Board minutes The next BOM is September 15.