Chief Financial and Operations Officer Wes Scott said these additional funds will be used to supplement salary increases for district staff as well as provide a funding mechanism for future capital improvements.
Breaking it down
Under state law, for a school district to approve a tax rate over the voter-approval rate, it must be taken to a vote.
The upcoming tax rate is planned to be $1.0109 per $100 valuation, which is a two-cent increase over the current district tax rate of $0.9909 per $100 valuation.
According to an Aug. 18 news release, if approved by voters, the VATRE would generate an estimated $4.8 million in annual funding for Boerne ISD, with approximately 37 percent of that amount coming from the state.
While the ballot language must legally state that the new rate is an increase, data from the school district and Kendall County Appraisal District show an average decrease in total school district taxes paid by property owners.
Following the 2025 state legislative session, the homestead exemption for school district taxes was increased, meaning a home’s taxable valuation will decrease. Homestead exemptions increased by $40,000 for the average homeowner, and increased by $50,000 for homeowners over the age of 65 or disabled.
For FY 2025-26, the average taxable value on Boerne ISD residential properties is $488,000. At this taxable value, a property owner would pay $4,938 in annual taxes. Compared to FY 2024-25 taxable values, the proposed tax rate would result in an $80 average decrease in overall taxes paid.
These calculations provided by the district take into account the average taxable property value, meaning taxes paid will be dependent on individual property appraisals.
For those who are over the age of 65 or disabled, the average taxable value in FY 2025-26 is $428,000, resulting in an average bill of $4,246. Compared to FY 2024-25 rates, this is an average decrease in annual taxes paid by around $672.
Homeowners over the age of 65 or disabled have the advantage of a frozen tax rate, meaning their rates cannot increase, even if the VATRE is approved.
Diving deeper
According to the Aug. 18 news release, Boerne ISD is currently one of the lowest-funded school districts in Texas based on per-student state funding.
Alongside being the lowest funded school, the district currently ranks 15 out of 21 for starting teacher pay when comparing local ISDs. This rank drops to 16 at the 5-year mark and to 19 at the 10-year mark.
Nearly one in five Boerne ISD teachers left the district last year, many for higher-paying positions in nearby districts, according to the release.
In the past legislative session, school districts across the state received additional compensation to supplement teacher salaries. While this is a benefit to the district, it still leaves surrounding ISDs with a higher starting pay.
Aside from teacher pay, the VATRE will support salary increases for other district staff. Upon VATRE approval, the starting teacher salary would increase to $60,000, paraprofessional positions would start at $16 per hour, and auxiliary positions would start at $15 per hour.
What they’re saying
The VATRE was unanimously supported by trustees who echoed the need for increasing staff salaries and retaining high-quality employees in the district.
“It is going to be very beneficial, and it is going to be an opportunity for our community to come together for our staff,” Board President Kristi Schmidt said.
Trustees Rich Sena and Dallas Pipes highlighted the salary increases being a sign of respect for district employees who are regularly recognized for their achievements throughout the school year.
“You just have to take care of your people because it is not cheap to live in this town, it’s expensive,” Sena said.
The calling of the election is the result of many months of budget analysis and conversations between staff and trustees.
“Our district has worked hard to be good stewards of public funds, including identifying reductions in our administrative costs,” Superintendent Kristin Craft said in the release. “We are committed to providing the community with clear, factual information about this election and what it would mean for our schools.”
Looking ahead
Early voting begins Oct. 20, and continues through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4. The last day to register to vote in the election is Oct. 6. Voter registration information can be found here.
Additional information and resources will be shared at BoerneISD.net/VATRE as the district prepares for the election.
