On Aug. 17, the Spring ISD board of trustees unanimously voted to place a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, on the Nov. 3 ballot, per an Aug. 19 release.
“We have worked hard to change the trajectory of Spring ISD, and our students and staff are showing us what is possible when we stay focused and work together,” Superintendent Kregg Cuellar said. “Proposition A is about protecting that progress and making sure we have the resources to continue moving forward."
Some context
The VATRE will be on the ballot as Proposition A and could help the day-to-day needs of Spring ISD, including teachers and staff compensation, student programs and services, transportation, utilities and other costs of running schools all which fall under the Maintenance & Operations tax rate.
Per the release, Proposition A would not fund construction or the district’s bond program.
“One observation from the last time we did this is that there seemed to be some confusion in our community,” Spring ISD Board Trustee Winford Adams, Jr. said. “We had just done a bond, and people asked why we couldn't use those funds to give raises to employees. Bond funds are specifically for capital projects, while employee raises are part of our regular maintenance and operations.”
Per the release, Spring ISD is managing financial challenges caused by declining enrollment, rising costs and state funding that does not fully cover some required expenses.
The breakdown
According to the release, the additional revenue would help the district:
- Protect programs and services that support student success
- Support teacher and staff compensation
- Address the district’s budget shortfall
- Manage rising operational costs
If approved by voters, Proposition A would increase the district's Maintenance & Operations tax rate to $1.1569 per $100 of property value which represents a $0.02 tax rate increase from the previous year's tax rate of $1.1369 per $100 of property value.
For a $250,000 home, the increase would be approximately $55 per year, or less than $5 per month for homeowners with a homestead exemption, said the release. For homeowners with a homestead exemption, the increase would be less than $5 per month on a $250,000 home.
Homeowners who are 65 or older or who qualify for a disability homestead exemption are generally protected by a tax ceiling, meaning Proposition A would not increase their school district taxes above the applicable ceiling.
What's next
If approved, Proposition A would provide Spring ISD with an estimated $5.6 million in additional Maintenance & Operations revenue. The local investment would also unlock approximately $9.9 million in additional state funding for a combined estimated financial impact of $15.5 million.
“Every financial decision we make must be anchored in our vision and mission and demonstrate our commitment to student success,” Chief of Business Operations Tamika Alford-Stephens said. “This conversation is not simply about tax rates; it’s about maintaining high-quality instruction, supporting our employees and preserving opportunities for our students while also practicing fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, we are focused on one thing: protecting our progress.”
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