2024 VATRE - Blanco ISD
In an effort to remain fiscally responsible, Blanco ISD has called for a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).
Due to an outdated school finance model and no action from the Texas legislature, Blanco ISD, as with many other school districts across the state of Texas, adopted a deficit budget for the 2024-2025 school year. State funding for Texas public school districts has not been updated since 2019 despite skyrocketing inflation. The cost of insurance and utilities has doubled since 2019, and the cost fuel has tripled. Although the state legislature had a record surplus of over $32 billion, very little has been allotted for public education.
Blanco ISD is facing a $1.2 million budget deficit for the 2024-2025 school year. Included as part of the deficit is adequate staffing at each campus and a midpoint raise of two percent for staff. If the VATRE is approved in November, BISD would generate approximately $400,000 annually. In addition to these local funds, an approved VATRE would generate approximately $28,000 of funding from the state. While those funds would not eliminate the deficit, they would be used for teacher and staff incentives, maintaining current class sizes, and retaining student programs.
If a VATRE is approved by the voters in November, the district’s maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate would increase by 2 cents. The funds generated from the successful passage of the VATRE are exempt from recapture, ensuring that none of these funds will be returned to the state.
Voting Information
Blanco ISD's VATRE will align with the uniform November election dates, which includes the presidential election. A registered voter in Blanco ISD can cast their vote at any polling location within their registered county during early voting or on election day. Please see the links below for additional election information.
Early voting runs from October 21 to November 1
Election day is Tuesday, November 5
Ballot by mail application deadline is Friday, October 25
Tax Rate Priorities
Teacher and Staff Incentives
Protect Class Sizes
Retain Student Programs
TAX Calculator
Tax Rate History
Blanco ISD's current adopted Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate is $0.6969 per $100 taxable property, including the additional two cents. Since 2018 the M&O tax rate has decreased by more than 36 cents.
Community Meetings
Blanco ISD will host in-person informational presentations about the VATRE and answer questions following presentations. Each presentation meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Additionally, the district will partner with local community organizations to provide additional opportunities to learn about the VATRE.
Date & Time Location
Wednesday, October 9 @ 6 PM Central Office Administration
Tuesday, October 15 @ 6 PM Blanco Middle School Cafeteria
Monday, October 21 @ 6 PM Blanco High School Cafeteria
Did You Know?
Blanco ISD sends hundreds of thousands of dollars back to the state each year in the form of a recapture payment. These funds are kept in the state budget instead of being used locally. If approved by voters, all funds generated from the VATRE would stay in Blanco ISD and not be subject to recapture.
FAQ's
Why did Blanco ISD call a VATRE?
Blanco ISD called a VATRE due to lack of legislative action to address an outdated school funding formula. School districts across the state are adopting deficit budgets because state leaders did not update the funding model for public schools, which left districts with significant budget shortfalls because of inflation.
In 2023, state lawmakers set aside $4 billion to provide more funding for schools, yet they have failed to provide that funding to public schools. Because of this, school districts across the state are feeling the effects of the lack of funding and cutting programs and/or staff that directly impact students. Some districts have already begun increasing class sizes, eliminating student programs and reducing staff because of their budget shortfalls.
How does this affect my student?
School districts across the state have begun increasing class sizes, reducing staff and eliminating programs because of a lack of funding. Due to sound fiscal management practices, Blanco ISD has been able to avoid these type of reductions. However, if funding from the state does not change, the district may have no choice but to make cuts.
Options that may be considered in the event of ongoing budget shortfalls include increasing the number of students per class, eliminating some student programs, a salary freeze, and/or reducing staff.
How does this affect teachers and staff?
Blanco ISD strives to retain and recruit the highest-quality teachers, and a major factor in keeping and recruiting staff is compensation. In April, the district's school board approved 2% midpoint pay raises for all staff.
Texas currently ranks 29th in the nation in teacher pay, roughly $9,000 behind the national average, according to a recent report. If BISD can continue to provide competitive pay, it can retain and attract the best teachers and show our teachers and staff we value them.
Does Blanco ISD use tax dollars wisely?
Blanco ISD has received a Superior Achievement rating in the Texas Education Agency's Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the past nine years. Superior Achievement is the highest rating a district can receive on the FIRST report and is considered an "A" grade. In addition, BISD has earned a perfect score of 100 during three of the last four years.
What would this mean for my taxes?
Any property owner who lives within Blanco ISD boundaries would pay almost 2 cents more per $100 of property valuation. For a property owner with a $450,000 house and a homestead exemption of $100,000, this would mean approximately $62 more per year – or $5.16 per month – in taxes.