AISD budget public hearing Monday

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Independent School District Board meets Monday night to get the public’s feedback on the 2013 budget which could result in a tax increase.

AISD officials said in order to cover this year's projected $838.4 million budget, they either need to pull $30 million from reserves or ask for a tax increase.

The projected budget includes a one-time 3 percent pay raise for all teachers who haven't had a raise in two years. It would also include money to start a new Spanish language radio show.

Any type of tax increase would have to be approved by voters in November. AISD currently has the second lowest tax rate in Central Texas.

Meanwhile, a final vote on the projected budget won't happen until the summer.

The first community meeting happened in early April. Monday's meeting gets under way at 6:30 p.m.

Also at the board meeting, members are expected to vote on raising the cost of school lunches.

Texas Department of Agriculture officials have said an increase is necessary in lunch prices to maintain compliance with federal regulation. The cost would go up by 10 cents for both elementary and secondary schools.

Bryan Black, a spokesman for Commissioner Todd Staples, pointed out that the state agency is not mandating or recommending an increase in school meals.

"This is strictly a federal issue and USDA needs to address any questions you may have on this issue," he said.