Ahead of adopting its 2026-27 budget June 15, the Georgetown ISD board of trustees voted unanimously to hire educational consulting firm MoakCasey LLC to conduct an efficiency audit May 18.
The audit is a requirement set by the Texas Education Code for districts seeking to hold a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE. If approved by voters, the VATRE would increase the district’s maintenance and operations property tax rate to raise revenue for the district.
The details
MoakCasey is expected to finish the audit within three months, and the proposed VATRE would be taken to voters Nov. 3, according to district documents.
The district is scheduled to adopt its budget and adjustments to its compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year June 15.
During a May 4 workshop, GISD explored four budget scenarios, including one that assumed the successful passage of a VATRE. Under that scenario, teacher compensation would increase by 3% while compensation for other staff would rise by 2% or to market rates.
By the numbers
At $1.0506 per $100 valuation, GISD’s tax rate is among the lowest in Williamson County. Although the district’s tax revenue has continued to increase, the district is exploring solutions to keep a balanced budget while maintaining priorities, such as raising compensation for teachers and responding to the increasing costs of health care.
“How do we keep up with the rising cost of health care as we find ways to increase compensation for staff?” GISD Superintendent Devin Padavil said. “It's a new challenge that has quickly accelerated for school districts across the country.”
As the district considers financial scenarios, the GISD board of trustees held two listening events earlier this month to hear feedback from residents.
The district currently has an operating budget of $167 million, according to district documents presented May 18. While the district's fund balance sits at $39 million, or 27% of the operating budget, Padavil noted the district wants to maintain that account to meet payroll needs.
What's next
Taxpayers can comment on the budget and proposed tax rate at 5:30 p.m June 15 at the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning.
