What is a VATRE?
A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is a local school funding election that asks voters whether or not they authorize the school district to access the maintenance and operations tax rate to create additional local funding and additional state funding to be used for specific purposes.
A VATRE does not create new debt for the school district. It generates more local funds for local use by AISD, and the funds return each year.
Why call a VATRE?
New Funds, Limited Flexibility
Texas’ 89th Legislature increased the basic student allotment by $55 per student and provided additional funding for salary increases for some teachers, special programs and allotments for qualifying districts. The additional funds do not leave AISD with much discretionary decision-making and will not completely close the gap on the projected operating deficit.
Funding Flat While Costs Climb
Prior to this year, the Texas Legislature had not increased the $6,160 basic student allotment since 2019. Many school districts across Texas face deficit budgets stemming from rising inflationary costs impacting insurance, utilities, fuel and salaries. Districts also face underfunded state mandates related to school safety requirements.
Since 2019, the Consumer Price Index shows greater than a 17% increase in average inflation.