Ensuring Equitable Access to Education

As we head to the polls on Election Day, many Texans across the state will find school district voter-approval tax ratification elections (VATRE) on their ballots. Due to funding shortfalls, more than 40 districts – from Austin to Fort Stockton – are asking voters to allow tax rate increases this year to support their maintenance and operations budgets.

While the rate increases are modest for the average household, the extra revenue would provide a much-needed boost for districts. Stagnant funding, cost increases, and the end of temporary federal COVID assistance have left many districts with budget deficits. Meanwhile, inflation rose over 20% during and after the pandemic.

Once a district’s VATRE is approved and goes into effect, districts can use the money for a variety of purposes, including increasing teacher and staff pay, hiring additional staff, paying for teacher training, supplies, student activity programs, or complying with unfunded mandates imposed by the state. In 2023, over 50 school districts passed VATREs to increase revenue, including Brownsville ISD ($10 million), Round Rock ISD ($19 million), and Fort Bend ISD ($35 million).

Detailed explanations of VATREs can be found from the Texas Comptroller, the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, or the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. 

Tax-rate elections are required by law when the school district adopts a tax rate higher than its state calculated maximum compressed tax rate (MCR). Districts must also undergo a third-party efficiency audit before the election can occur. If voters reject the tax increase, the rate returns to the MCR.

While inflation has cooled, our public school districts still face higher costs and stagnant funding.