METZLER ELEMENTARY
8500 West Rayford
Spring, TX 77389

Office: 832-484-7900
Attendance: 832-484-7910
Fax: 832-484-7999
Principal: Christine M. Rigia

Congratulations to Mrs. Karen Wideman on her nomination and subsequent campus win as Metzler’s Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Wideman currently teachers 3rd grade; she taught 5th grade for the past two years. She continuously searches for creative and innovative ways to instruct her students. In addition, she is an exemplary role model for all educators.

One hallmark of the Klein ISD is the careful attention our finance department takes with the dollars used to educate our students. School buildings are a long-term cost of education. In a fast-growth district such as Klein ISD, to finance new school buildings requires wise planning.

A comprehensive financial plan includes the underlying credit ratings given to the bonds we sell to finance schools. The strong financial base in our school district is a result of good planning and consistency over time. Our plan has enabled the district to maintain Standard and Poor’s bond rating AA- and Aa2 on Moody’s Index. Klein ISD is rated by these two institutions as one of the 482 school districts on the index for the state of Texas. This favorable rating places the Klein ISD in the top 4 percent of all the districts listed. The credit rating is an advantage when bonds are sold.

Maintaining a strong bond rating is a sign of financial confidence in the district and a significant advantage in the current economic climate. Considering the reasonable debt Klein must incur as a fast-growth district, the current ratings are good news. Klein ISD taxpayers and the district as an organization benefit from the excellent credit rating.

The 79th Texas Legislature provided a tax relief plan that reduced the maintenance and operation (M&O) tax rate of school districts. Prior to the tax relief plan, the taxpayers of the Klein ISD paid the state maximum rate of $1.50 per $100 valuation. In 2006, Klein tax payers enjoyed a $0.13 reduction in school taxes. An additional reduction of $0.33 was provided in 2007. Due to the changes in state law that resulted in a new funding plan, Klein ISD residents are taxed at a significantly lower tax rate than they were three years ago.

A Texas constitutional amendment was passed in May 2007 to correct an oversight in the school tax rate law. The amendment allows those Texans whose school property taxes were already frozen to receive the tax reduction that all other Texans received from the tax relief plan. Taxpayers who qualify for this reduction do not need to contact the KISD tax office. The reduction has been computed into the current tax bill for all who qualify. As a result of the recalculation, the affected taxpayers will enjoy this benefit this year and in the future.

Klein ISD’s tax rate of $1.04 for maintenance and operation and $0.22 for debt service means that taxpayers pay a total of $1.26 per $100 valuation for 2007. In a comparison with other school districts in the greater-Houston metropolitan area, Klein taxpayers pay the second lowest taxes. Klein ISD offers a substantially good educational value for a relatively low tax rate.

The Klein ISD is located in north Harris County and has more than 42,841 students in its twenty-five (25) elementary, eight (8) intermediate, and four (4) high schools. Visit the district’s Web site at www.kleinisd.net for additional information about the Klein Independent School District.

Metzler Elementary School will participate this year in the Anti-Defamation League’s campaign known as No Place For Hate®. As part of this campaign, Metzler students will participate in activities that promote tolerance and understanding of the differences that exists between us. We will learn how to show respect for different races, religions, and cultures. Our motto at Metzler is Working Together as a Team, and as a team we will strive to achieve progress in promoting our school as No Place For Hate®.

For more information you may contact the Metzler counselor’s office at 832.484.7955.

The mission of Metzler Elementary School is to develop successful life-long learners and responsible, productive citizens through a team effort between the school, the parents, and the community in a positive and caring learning environment.

Students, parents, caring adults, and all staff are committed to hard work and high expectations in a climate of respect and cooperation.

The spirit of determination, fidelity, and cooperation is exemplified by Metzler's school mascot. Through our mascot, the students will be inspired to identify their challenges, harness their power, and achieve their goals.

Please check the district website for inclement weather updates: www.kleinisd.net

kpulliam@kleinisd.net