A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is a special election that seeks voter approval for a measure to increase the M&O tax rate in order to generate additional revenue for the district's general operating fund. 

On November 4th, voters within the RISD boundaries will decide on Proposition A, (VATRE) for 9¢/$100 of valuation. 

This is annual revenue that will come into Rains ISD year after year. The exact amount of revenue may change slightly from one year to the next because it is directly related to our student enrollment and average daily attendance. 

These areas address urgent and long-term needs. Meeting them effectively requires sustainable funding over time, which is why the Board called for the VATRE.

Employee Compensation

RISD’s current teacher salaries are approximately $3,000–$5,000 below the average of surrounding districts, depending on years of experience. Similar gaps exist across other job categories as well. VATRE funds would help close these gaps, allowing RISD to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining excellent teachers and staff. These pay increases would be permanent and require ongoing annual funding.

Technology

VATRE funds would help RISD keep pace in a rapidly changing technology environment. Student Chromebooks and teacher computers have limited lifespans and must be replaced on a rotation schedule. Once Chromebooks reach 5–6 years old, they can no longer be updated and become unusable for instruction. Many of our current devices were purchased with temporary COVID relief funds, which are no longer available. Technology infrastructure—such as servers, switches, access points, and cabling—also requires regular maintenance and replacement. These are ongoing costs.

Transportation

RISD operates 31 buses; six are over 20 years old, ten have no air conditioning, and about half lack seat belts. VATRE funds would be used to accelerate bus replacement to improve safety and reliability. The average cost of a new school bus exceeds $150,000. Vehicle replacement is an ongoing expense.

Facilities

Facility needs include roofs, parking lots, driveways, and HVAC units. RISD currently maintains 237 HVAC units, 98 of which (41%) are over 20 years old—including 63 units that are more than 25 years old. Repairs and replacements will require significant, sustained funding over many years.

Security

Campus security remains a top priority. RISD’s aging camera and door-access systems will soon require replacement, and these systems are costly. Additionally, new state safety requirements and recommendations continue to emerge, often without sufficient funding. Staying current with these mandates represents a significant ongoing expense.

No, State revenue WILL NOT be reduced if the VATRE passes. In fact, the VATRE will produce an INCREASE in State revenue.

Both local and State VATRE revenue are considered tier 2 (enrichment) revenue that is in addition to tier 1 (basic) revenue. Tier 1 (basic) revenue is not impacted by the VATRE.

If voters do not approve the VATRE, RISD will remain at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining teachers and staff. The district will also have to consider larger class sizes, program reductions, staff reductions through attrition, and possible increases in student fees.

Citizens 65 and older who have not made significant improvements to their primary homes have their taxes frozen and will not be impacted by the VATRE. With the new exemptions, most will pay lower ISD taxes this year allowing the cap to re-freeze at a lower amount.

If passed, Prop 13, a statewide constitutional amendment on the ballot for November 4th, would increase the exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.  If passed, Prop 11 would increase the exemption for over 65 or disabled citizens from $10,000 to $60,000.  The combined impact for seniors over 65 and disabled citizens would be an exemption of $200,000.

The increased exemption will lower the taxable value on the homestead.

The County PSF is designated for permanent improvements (building structures, major remodels, etc.) not for salaries or ongoing maintenance and operations. 

We're happy to help! 

If you still have questions or need more information about the RISD VATRE, you can submit a question to the district at the link below. 

SUBMIT QUESTION HERE

OR

Contact Mr. Nicks or Mr. Hall at the number/email below. 

Joe Nicks, Superintendent

nicksj@rainsisd.org

903-473-2222

Mike Hall, Asst. Superintendent, CFO

hallm@rainsisd.org

903-473-2222

We understand and respect the results of past elections.  At the same time, the needs of our schools and students have not gone away.  In fact, many of those needs have grown more urgent over time.  Each time the district brings this forward, it is because we are still facing the same challenges such as aging buses and infrastructure, outdated technology, rising costs, and the needs to attract and keep quality teachers.  These issues directly impact our students' daily experience. 

Our responsibility as a school district is to keep presenting the community with the most accurate information about these needs and the options available to address them.  Ultimately, the decision is always in the hands of the voters. 

When going to the polls, you will see Prop A as the last item on the ballot.  

Rains Independent School District

Proposition A

THIS IS A TAX INCREASE.  Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $0.8443 per $100 valuation in Rains Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 4.99 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is additional $338,756.

[ ] FOR

[ ] AGAINST

Not sure which voting precinct you're in?  Click on the voter precinct map below to find out. 

Voter Precinct Map