The Victoria Independent School District Board of Trustees has called for a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. This election will allow voters to decide on a critical issue that directly affects the funding and operation of our school district.
What is a VATRE?
A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election or VATRE is a special election that asks voters to approve or reject a tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate (the maximum rate allowed without voter approval). For Victoria ISD, this means that if voters approve the VATRE, it would generate approximately $7 million in additional annual funding. These funds would be directly allocated to increase staff and teacher pay, enhancing the district’s ability to attract and retain high-quality educators.
If approved by voters, the 2024 VATRE will provide significant financial benefits to our district. In May 2024, the Board approved Version One of the 2024-25 Compensation Plan, which included a modest raise for VISD employees. However, if the 2024 VATRE is approved, version two of this plan would be fully funded. Classified, paraprofessionals, clerical staff and bus drivers would receive a total of $2 an hour pay raise. Depending on their experience, teachers could see a total annual increase ranging from $1,500 to $7,000.
How does this impact the Victoria ISD tax rate?
At the August Regular Monthly Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a proposed tax rate of $0.8935 per $100 of taxable value. This rate exceeds the maximum allowable tax rate by 9 cents, which triggers the need for a VATRE.
What does this mean for property owners?
If the VATRE is approved, property owners will be asked to pay an additional 9 cents per $100 of taxable home value. With the new homestead exemption of $100,000, the first $100,000 of your home’s value will not be taxed. For example, if you own a $200,000 home, your taxable value would be $100,000 after the exemption. For this example, it would result in an increase of approximately $90 per year in property taxes.
And remember, for those 65 and older, the amount of school taxes on their homestead cannot increase as long as they own and live in that home, even if property values rise. This is often referred to as a "tax ceiling" or "freeze."
So, a VATRE has been called, what happens next?
Now that the Board has called for a VATRE, the district is committed to educating the public as thoroughly as possible about what this election means for our community. We will provide clear, factual information about the VATRE, including what it is, what it will fund, and how it could impact our district. However, it’s important to note that we must adhere to specific guidelines. State law prohibits the use of public funds or resources—including our time, school facilities, equipment, and communication platforms—for advocacy purposes related to the VATRE. This means that all information shared by the district regarding the 2024 VATRE will strictly be factual and informational, ensuring that the community is well-informed while respecting these legal boundaries.
Important Election Information
The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7, so make sure your registration is up to date. Early voting will be available from October 21st through November 1st, at designated early voting locations. Finally, Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, which will be your last opportunity to make your voice heard on the VATRE.
To register to vote, visit www.votetexas.gov and for general election information, visit https://www.vctxelections.org/.
Stay in the know about the 2024 VATRE by following Victoria ISD on Facebook, subscribing to Victoria ISD on YouTube, and visiting VISD.net/vatre for more information.