• Aug. 25: Hartford Learning Center, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 27: Bonham Elementary, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

• Sept. 9: ATEMS, 5-6 p.m.
• Sept. 15: Abilene High School, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 16: Craig Middle School, 5-6 p.m.
• Sept. 17: Alcorta Elementary, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• Sept. 18: Ward Elementary, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• Sept. 22: Crockett Early Head Start, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Sept. 22: Cooper High School, 5-6 p.m.
• Sept. 23: Mann STEAM Academy, 5-6 p.m.
• Sept. 24: Bassetti Elementary, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Sept. 25: Madison Middle School, 5-6 p.m.
• Sept. 30: Clack Middle School, 5-6 p.m.

• Oct. 1: Taylor Elementary, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 7: Martinez Elementary (English Presentation), 5 p.m.
• Oct. 7: Martinez Elementary (Spanish Presentation), 5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 8: Long ELC, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 15: Austin Elementary, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 22: Bowie Elementary, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 29: Stafford Elementary, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 30: Purcell, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

A VATRE is a local school funding election or Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election that asks voters whether or not they authorize the district to access the maintenance and operations tax rate to generate additional local and state funding.

VATREs can only be called during the November general election. Despite conservative spending and fiscal responsibility, AISD has been forced to adopt deficit budgets for several years.

The Abilene ISD VATRE would generate more than $10 million in local and state funding for staff salaries and operational costs.

If the November 4 VATRE is approved by voters, it will generate more than $10 million annually in local and state funding. The money will be used to cover staff salary increases and help reduce the budget deficit caused by inflation and rising healthcare and utility costs, and address an aging school bus fleet.

If voters reject the VATRE, AISD will not be able to access the local and state funding.

Since 2019, the Abilene ISD tax rate has decreased by 33 cents. AISD does not set property values. Voters will not only decide whether or not to grant AISD permission to access local/state funding through the VATRE, they will also be voting on an additional $40,000 Homestead exemption which will reduce the overall taxable value on their primary residence.

The VATRE would result in more than $10 million in local and state funding every year to address local district costs and the deficit budget.

Tax Breakdown with and without the VATRE Election:

• If the VATRE is approved, the tax rate will be set at $0.9580 per $100 valuation.
• If the VATRE is rejected, the tax rate will be set at $0.8980 per $100 valuation.

With the additional $40,000 Homestead Exemption on the November ballot, the average taxable home value in Abilene ISD will be $73,214.

Regardless of the outcome of this election, the overall tax rate will decrease and the tax bill for the average AISD homeowner will also decrease. 

The breakdown for school taxes on the average Abilene ISD property would be: $552.51 (FOR), and $517.90 (AGAINST) for a difference of $34.60 a year. This represents $2.88 more a month for the average taxpayer. 

VATRE money stays local and is made available to AISD every year.

Property taxes for Abilene ISD residents 65 and older are frozen and will not be impacted by the VATRE.

No. Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE does not create new debt. It creates additional funding for specific purposes. The additional funding raised by a VATRE stays local and is available to AISD annually.

Citizens 65 and older who have not made improvements to their homes have their taxes frozen and will not be impacted by the VATRE.

Early voting is both convenient and flexible. Early voting will take place at any Taylor County voting location October 20-31.

During the early voting period and on Election Day, you can cast your ballot at your designated precinct in your county. 

The deadline to register to vote in the General election is Monday, October 6, 2025. Visit https://www.votetexas.gov/ to register or check your voter eligibility.