Posted 9:52 p.m.
Early election results show a majority of Leander ISD voters opposing the district’s proposed tax rate increase, known as Proposition A.
What you need to know
Early voting numbers show 37,721 votes, or 53.4%, against Proposition A versus 32,933 votes, or 46.6%, in favor.
Some context
The proposed voter approval tax rate election, or VATRE, would increase the maintenance and operations portion of the district's 2026-27 tax rate by three cents, resulting in a rate of $1.1169 per $100 valuation.
School district officials say the increase, if approved, would generate about $12 million in additional revenue. About $6.7 million of that would go to the district, while the rest would be recaptured by the state.
Because the M&O tax rate funds daily operating expenses such as staff pay, district programs and student services, officials noted in a district news release that this additional funding would help close part of LISD's ongoing budget shortfall, reduce the need for future cuts and clear the way for employees to receive a one-time retention bonus this December.
If the VATRE is not approved, the tax rate will return to the rate approved during the Aug. 17 board meeting of $1.0869 per $100 valuation. Based on the area's average taxable home value, returning to the former tax rate would reduce the tax bill by around $110.53 annually, or $9.21 per month, compared to fiscal year 2025-26.
Officials noted that qualifying homeowners aged 65 or older with a homestead exemption will not be impacted by the VATRE's tax increase. The VATRE would also not impact the interest and sinking, or I&S, tax rate, which would remain unchanged at $0.33 per $100 valuation.
Keep in mind
This article will be updated as results are released. All results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit Community Impact’s voter guide to see results from all local, state and federal races.
