Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election Press Release
Boerne ISD Voters Approve VATRE to Support Teachers and Strengthen Classrooms
November 5, 2025
BOERNE, TX - Voters in Boerne ISD demonstrated their support for students, staff, and educational programs by passing Proposition A for a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election on November 4, 2025.
Unofficial results show that 6241 voters or 51.3% cast ballots in favor of the proposition, which is projected to generate new operations funding by $4.8M every year moving forward.
The results are unofficial until the election is canvassed by the Board at the November 17th Board meeting.
Dr. Kristin Craft, Boerne ISD superintendent, shared, “Our voters have spoken, and we are grateful not only for their confirmation of this measure, but for the encouraging voter turnout this election season. We wholeheartedly thank all of those who made the effort to go to the polls and weigh in on this matter. Our community is truly special. As superintendent, this is just the beginning of the steps we must take to help Boerne become more competitive. We have the best staff – and I want to keep them here.”
ABOUT THE VATRE: Boerne ISD’s VATRE will yield $3M in local funding. The VATRE is unique because it will also require the state of Texas to kick in 60 cents for every dollar. The $4.8M total in new revenue each year was budgeted in June 2025, but was not budgeted to be spent until the results of the election were in. Over 80% of that $4.8M has been earmarked to increase staff salaries, including:
- Restructuring the pay of teachers, nurses, and counselors so that they all have more impactful increases year-over-year and see those dollars in their bottom line and retirement
- Raising the minimum wage of auxiliary workers to $15/hour and paraprofessional staff to $16/hour, then restructuring the pay of all other employees in those categories so they also see increases in their bottom lines
- Raising the minimum teacher starting pay from $55,142 to $60,000
- Creating special education stipends to retain special education teachers; the district has struggled to retain these highly-skilled employees due in part to not being able to afford stipends
- $500,000 additional contributions to employee healthcare premiums after TRS increased premiums by 24% since 2023
The remaining 20% was budgeted to support program growth and facility needs.
Boerne ISD would not have been able to increase teacher and staff pay without the passage of this VATRE, even after saving $1.5 million by reducing administrative positions. Board President Kristi Schmidt says this yes vote comes at a crucial time for the district. “This VATRE could not have come at a better time,” says Schmidt. “Rising costs and increasing competition for quality teachers have made this a challenging time for us. This additional funding will help us stay strong where it matters most, in the classroom. We’re grateful our community recognized that need and chose to invest in our schools now.”
ABOUT BOERNE: Boerne ISD is one of the highest-rated districts in Texas. The district’s College, Career, and Military Readiness rate stands at 95%, which is among the highest in the state. The district’s 99% graduation rate also ranks among the best in the state. The money generated by this VATRE will help fund the people, programs, and salaries that make those success rates possible.