In a nutshell
According to a district news release, the board of trustees called the VATRE due to the effects of a lack of legislative action at the state level to address public education funding despite significant inflation in recent years. Additional VATRE funds—approximately $16 million—would be used to balance the district budget to protect class size ratios and student programs as well as continue to provide competitive teacher and staff salaries.
Zooming in
The news release states state legislators have approved $4 billion in funding increases to Texas schools but have declined to provide it despite the state’s historic $32 billion budget surplus. Numerous districts across the state have adopted budgets with shortfalls. NISD adopted a budget shortfall of $15.8 million for fiscal year 2024-25, while some districts adopted budget shortfalls exceeding $100 million.
If approved by voters this fall, a $500,000 home in the district would receive an annual property tax increase of $120—or $10 a month—according to the news release. While a portion of existing district funds are subject to the state’s recapture rule, VATRE funds would not be subject to recapture, therefore all of these additional funds would stay in the district.
What's next
The news release states voters who live in NISD will have the following opportunities to cast their ballot in the VATRE:
- Early voting from Oct. 21-Nov. 1
- Election Day on Nov. 5
