Residents in the Lockhart Independent School District (ISD) may soon be part of the Austin Community College (ACC) District following a unanimous decision by the ACC Board of Trustees to put an annexation item on the November ballot. The board gave the green light at their Monday meeting after a successful petition by community members.
In a move that could expand educational opportunities for Lockhart locals, more than a thousand signatures were collected to surpass the required five percent of registered voters. Now, the proposal for annexation will be put to the test in the upcoming elections. According to ACC's official announcement, annexation could mean lower tuition rates and added student services for area residents.
The suggested service plan released by ACC is built in three phases, ranging from using existing Lockhart ISD facilities to eventually opening a new, permanent ACC facility nearby. Initially, opportunities such as career and technical training would be opened up, with a potential shared early college high school on the horizon. This strategy looks to bridge the gap in higher education access by bringing affordable, quality college education closer to home.
Turning to fiscal matters, joining the ACC District would impose a property tax of $0.0986 per $100 of assessed valuation on homeowners within Lockhart ISD. However, the perks could be substantial, with in-district students looking at $85 per credit hour versus the $286 out-of-district rate starting the 2024-25 academic year. Additional benefits outlined by ACC include enhanced student support services, career counseling, customized training for businesses, and a slew of educational programs suitable for various community needs.
For those sitting on the fence, further details will be discussed in a public hearing on June 25, 2024, as announced by ACC. The event at the Lockhart Independent School District Performing Arts Center not only aims to inform but also to listen to community voices in a gesture of democratic openness. While ACC stops short of campaigning for annexation, it is committed to answering questions and laying out the facts to enable voters to make an informed decision.
Lockhart ISD residents can learn more about what's in store for them, check out the comprehensive service plan, or dial into the specifics by calling the provided ACC contact number or visiting their website. As always, the power to change the educational landscape of their community lies firmly in the hands of the electorate.
