How would VATRE funds be used?
The district is facing a situation where costs are outpacing state funding and projections for the 2025-26 year anticipate a $3.4 million deficit. The AISD Board of Trustees called a Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election or VATRE to ask voters to consider the option of generating an additional $10 million in local funding.
If the VATRE passes
the additional funds generated could be used to potentially offset inflationary pressures including, but not limited to, salary increases to maintain competitiveness in the market. These funds could also be used to close the gap on the deficit budget caused by inflation and rising costs of healthcare and utilities, and to address an aging bus fleet.
If voters reject the VATRE
the district will not have access to the additional $10 million and a budget deficit of more than $3.4 million will be in place for the 2025-26 school year.