Spring ISD is proposing a voter approval tax rate election this November to address a growing budget deficit and ensure competitive pay for teachers. The district is requesting a $0.05 tax increase, citing budget challenges since 2019 due to stagnant state funding and increasing inflation.
According to Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, the state has not increased the basic allotment for schools since then, leaving SISD with the same $6,160 per student while facing rising costs.
“We are investing more in our students than the amount of money we are receiving from the state and from taxes,” she said.
The district is also grappling with a decrease in enrollment, about 1,000 students short of pre-pandemic numbers, further straining finances.
In response, SISD has cut its budget over the last two years, reducing staff and programs. This year alone, $12 million was slashed, affecting campuses, central office operations and support services. Despite these efforts, the district still faces a $12 million deficit.
Teachers, the backbone of the education system, have not received raises in two years. Dr. Hinojosa emphasized the district's need to stay competitive with salaries to retain qualified staff, particularly experienced teachers.
“This $0.05 could potentially eliminate our deficit and allow us to provide raises to all of our employees, but especially to our experienced teachers,” Dr. Hinojosa said.
The district has already reduced its tax rate by $0.41 since 2018, and the proposed increase aims to restore only a portion of that reduction.
SISD conducted a community survey before moving forward with the VATRE proposal, working with a research firm to gauge taxpayer sentiment. The survey revealed that while residents were initially hesitant about any tax increase, they were more supportive when informed that the funds would go toward teacher raises.
Ann Westbrooks, the district’s chief finance officer, explained that the $0.05 increase was chosen because it would not only balance the budget but also provide much-needed raises for teachers with three to 24 years of experience.
“We’re asking for what we need, no more,” she said.
The VATRE would allow the district to tap into “golden pennies,” which would bring in additional state revenue alongside local tax dollars.
SISD has been actively informing the community to raise awareness about the upcoming election, holding meetings with parents, staff, and community members. They’ve also participated in events like National Night Out and open houses to engage the public. The district has created a dedicated webpage with detailed information about the VATRE, including FAQs, flyers, and a calculator that allows homeowners to estimate how much the tax increase would cost them.
Despite these efforts, the district has made it clear that the VATRE is only a temporary solution.
“Our state legislators need to fund public education adequately,” Dr. Hinojosa said, stressing that the district would continue to push for better state funding when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in January.
The tax rate increase will be on the ballot in the Nov. 5 election, and SISD leaders hope the community will recognize the critical need to invest in the district’s future.
“If we want Texas to stay competitive, we have to educate the future workforce,” Dr. Hinojosa said.
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