Many taxpayers and residents of Leon county are aware of the effort by a group of taxpayers residing in a portion of Oakwood Independent School District, formerly called Lone Star Rural High School District, to detach from Oakwood ISD and be annexed to Centerville and Buffalo ISDS, respectively. There is some confusion and misinformation relating to the action. This letter is intended to dispel and correct that situation.

First, the action being taken is based on a Texas statute under the Title 2 Public Education Code. The law describes the method to be used by the voters to petition the school districts for detachment and annexation. We did not pull this plan out of a hat.

Second, the decision to proceed was not without concerns for the community as a whole. However, the education of all the students in the local districts was of primary importance. We believe the student should have the best all around educational, social and recreational experience available. The division of the local school districts is not providing that opportunity.

In addition, the student enrollment of the Oakwood school district has declined over the last four years. Buffalo school district enrollment has been increasing over the last four years. This fact should indicate the desires of both parents and students. Though many students are attending a school closer to their place of residence, others are being transported unnecessary miles across the county. The time spent traveling to and from school could be spent in more productive activities.

Third, the concern about property taxes involved in the change of school districts, though justified, is misrepresented. The tax rates are determined by the school districts based on the assessed value of taxable property received from the Leon County Appraisal Office. The current (2009) tax rate for each of the districts is as follows: Oakwood is $1.04 per $100 valuation; Centerville is $1.04 per $100 valuation; Buffalo is $1.28657 per $100 valuation.

Rate hearings for the new (2010) tax year will be held during the month of August at each school district. The question as to whether your tax rate will change is not affected by whether the Lone Star district remains in Oakwood ISD, or is divided between Buffalo and Centerville ISD. In all likelihood, all tax rates will change.

Fourth, when the school districts approve the petition the commissioners court will equitably allocate the indebtedness of the Oakwood district among the other two districts. This is the law. In other words, the remaining portion of the Oakwood district will not be solely responsible for its indebetedness (income, expenses and the cost of the bond). In relation to the distribution of indebetedness, the districts accepting new students also receive an “equitable allocation” of the tax revenues generated by the boundary chages.

When considering to agree or disagree with the petition, also realize that many residents are paying when, in reality, those tax dollars could provide better overall services and support for the current and future students by changing where they are sending those dollars.

Whether Oakwood remains a viable school district remains to be seen. That decision rests with Oakwood ISD.

The voters and taxpayers of the Lone Star district ask for your support to move ahead with the detachment and annexation. Your neighbors and friends will be contacting you soon. Should you wish to know more information, please join our weekly meetings at the Lone Star Center in Flo on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Barbara Johnson Buffalo