Victoria Independent School District (VISD) will host a series of community information sessions regarding the upcoming Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). The VATRE, scheduled for the November election, if passed by voters, would generate approximately $7 million in additional annual funding for the district, which would be allocated to the 2024-25 Compensation Plan, Version Two. These sessions are designed to educate voters on the factual details of the VATRE and its potential impact on the district.
By law, VISD is not allowed to use resources or public funds to advocate for the passing of the VATRE. The district can provide factual information about what the VATRE entails and how it would affect property taxes, school funding, and staff pay. The proposed tax rate for the VATRE is $0.8935 per $100 of taxable property value, which marks the district maintaining the lowest total tax rate in more than 30 years.
With the recent increase in the Texas homestead exemption to $100,000, many homeowners will see less of an impact from the proposed tax rate. For example, taxes on a home valued at $300,000 would be approximately $15 per month, after applying the new homestead exemption.
If approved, the VATRE would allow VISD to raise essential funds to increase staff pay across the district. Competitive pay is critical for retaining and attracting high-quality teachers and staff, which is a priority for VISD as it continues to focus on delivering excellent educational opportunities for all students.
Important Voting Information:
Voter Registration Deadline: October 7, 2024
Early Voting: October 21-November 1, 2024
Election Day: November 5, 2024
Voter registration can be completed online or at the Victoria County Election Office. We encourage everyone to get informed and get out and vote.
VATRE Information Sessions:
VISD invites community members to attend the following VATRE information sessions to learn more, ask questions, and understand how the VATRE would impact the district. VISD staff and district leaders will be on hand to provide factual information and address community concerns.
Monday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m.
Victoria West High School Library
Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
ECC at F.W. Gross Library
Monday, Oct 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Victoria East High School Library
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m.
Schorlemmer Elementary Library
Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Howell Middle School library
Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Rowland Elementary Library
Thursday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m.
DeLeon Elementary Library
Monday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m.
STEM MS library
Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m.
Chandler Elementary Library
All attendees may enter through the front entrance of the campuses.
For more information about the VATRE and how it will impact the district and property taxes, please visit www.visd.net/vatre.