Why I Said “Yes” to the 4% Tax Increase

When I first ran to serve on the Covington Independent School Board, I made a commitment to listen, to weigh every decision carefully, and to always do what I felt was in the best interest of our students, families, and community. That commitment has never wavered, even when the decisions before us are difficult, complicated, and sometimes unpopular.

Recently, I voted “yes” to a 4% tax increase. I know that this decision raises questions, and I believe you deserve to hear directly from me why I made this choice. Transparency matters, and so does trust.

This vote wasn’t about numbers on a page, it was about the future of our students, the health of our schools, AND the strength of our city.

The Responsibility We Carry

Public schools are at the heart of any community. They prepare the next generation to step into the world with knowledge, skills, and confidence. In Covington, our schools serve a diverse group of students. Students who carry dreams of becoming teachers, engineers, artists, nurses, business leaders, and more.

But dreams don’t flourish without resources. The truth is: educating children in today’s world is costly. Rising costs for everything from electricity to school buses to technology mean we are constantly asked to do more with less. When you walk into a classroom, you can see firsthand the need for investment.

As a board member, I have the responsibility to ensure that our schools are not just getting by, but thriving. Saying “yes” to this increase was part of that responsibility.

Why 4% Matters

Some might hear “tax increase” and think it’s simply about adding dollars to a budget. But what the 4% actually represents is stability and opportunity.

Here’s why:

• Teacher and Staff Retention: Teachers are the backbone of our schools. Without competitive pay and resources, we risk losing talented educators to neighboring districts. Investing in people means investing in student success.

• Federal funding cuts are beginning to trickle down and directly affect the resources available to our students and staff. These reductions are not only limiting the services and supports we can provide within the school district, but they are also impacting the critical community-based programs and organizations our students and families rely on outside of the classroom. Together, these cuts create real challenges for ensuring that every student has access to the full range of support needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Over the past two years, through extensive community input and a professional facilities assessment, we have developed a clear and forward-looking plan for all of our school buildings which has been enhanced by a unique partnership with the City of Covington to include a way forward to incorporate the potential upscale in need for early childhood education, a greater emphasis to real-world technical skills training and a broader use of our school buildings to greater serve the community. 

• In addition, we have supported the facilitation of tax incentives through the provision of Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) agreements. These agreements have allowed us to help subsidize the creation of nearly half a dozen new residential developments in recent years. By doing so, we are not only strengthening our community’s housing opportunities but also ensuring a broader, long-term tax base that ultimately benefits our schools and the families we serve.

Without the increase, we would have been forced to make cuts. And cuts don’t just trim fat—they take away opportunities from our children.

The Human Side of the Decision

Behind every line item is a face. A student walking into kindergarten who deserves a strong start. A high school senior who dreams of being the first in their family to attend college. A teacher who pours their heart into lesson plans each night but wonders if they can afford to stay.

I thought about these faces as I cast my vote. I thought about the long-term impact and not just the short-term discomfort.

Yes, a tax increase means more is being asked of us as community members. But when we choose to invest in education, we are investing in brighter futures for our kids, stronger neighborhoods, and a more vibrant city.

Accountability Is Key

Supporting this increase doesn’t mean I believe our schools are perfect or that there isn’t room for improvement. Far from it. One of my priorities as a board member is accountability. That means asking tough questions, demanding clarity about how funds are used, and ensuring that every dollar stretches as far as it possibly can. This increase must come with a promise to our taxpayers that the funds will be directed to where they are most needed and will make a measurable difference. I intend to keep pressing for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and results.

A Shared Sacrifice for a Shared Future

I won’t pretend that paying more in taxes is easy. It isn’t. But I believe the measure of a community is found in what it is willing to sacrifice for the good of the next generation.

Though I see the 4% increase as a small burden, I also see it is a bridge. A bridge between where we are now and where we want to be. Between underfunded classrooms and thriving learning environments. Between children feeling left behind and children walking confidently into their futures. Covington deserves that bridge. Our children deserve that bridge.

My Commitment to You

To the families, taxpayers, and community members of Covington: I hear you. I understand the weight of this decision. And I want you to know that my “yes” was not given lightly.

I voted “yes” because I believe in our children.I voted “yes” because I believe in our teachers.I voted “yes” because I believe in the future of the Covington Independent School District.

Together, we can build schools that not only educate but uplift. And that work requires all of us; board members, educators, parents, and community partners, pulling in the same direction. Thank you for trusting me to serve. I will continue to earn that trust every day, not just with words, but with action.