Fast Facts
Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election
Brings Additional State Funds Into the District
If approved by voters, the VATRE would trigger an increase in state funding for Boerne ISD, resulting in an estimated $4.8 million increase in annual funding for the district. Taxpayer dollars amount to $3M with the state contributing an additional $1.8M.
All Funds Stay Local
Funds generated by the VATRE would not be subject to state recapture. 100% of the new revenue would remain in Boerne ISD and be used for locally identified priorities such as staff compensation and student programs.
Boerne ISD is an A-Rated but Low-Funded District
Boerne ISD is the largest A-rated district in the region and is among the lowest funded districts in the state. The VATRE is intended to help address this funding gap.
Staff Retention is a Stated Priority
Nearly one in five teachers left the district last year, many citing more competitive salaries in nearby districts. A key purpose of the VATRE is to fund more competitive pay to support teacher retention and recruitment.
Prioritizing Classroom Resources
The district has already reduced its administrative budget by nearly $1.5 Million through attrition and reorganization. The VATRE would allow the district to direct more resources toward classroom instruction and teacher compensation.
Limited Increase in State Funding
While school funding increased statewide this year, Boerne ISD received one of the lowest per-student increases in the region—$379 per student compared to a statewide average that is nearly double. The VATRE provides an opportunity to supplement this shortfall.
Economic Role of Boerne ISD
Boerne ISD employs more than 1,700 individuals who collectively contribute approximately $5 million each month to the local economy.
Supports Existing Programs
Boerne ISD maintains a 99% graduation rate and a 95% College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) rate. VATRE revenue would support the continuation of these programs and related staffing.
Potential Taxpayer Savings
With the anticipated passage of a statewide property tax relief measure, the appraisal district projections show that the average Boerne ISD resident will see an overall decrease of $80 on their school district property tax bill.
No Impact on 65+ or Disabled with Frozen Taxes
Residents age 65 and older or disabled who have filed a homestead exemption will not see an increase in their school district property tax bill due to the VATRE (as long as they do not make significant upgrades to their homes). Estimates put the savings at an average $670 decrease in tax bills for this group.