1. How will money generated from the VATRE (Proposition A) be used?
This money is unrestricted and can be used for any operating expense. This will be used for student programs, maintenance issues, and staff retention.
2. How do teacher salaries in HISD compare to other districts in the panhandle?
Our teacher salaries have been improving throughout the years. However, we still lag behind some of the similar-sized and larger-sized districts in our region.
3. Exactly how much additional revenue would be generated if voters approve the VATRE (Proposition A)?
The 3 additional pennies will generate approximately $1,974,000.
4. Will my tax rate go up if I vote FOR the VATRE (Proposition A)?
Yes. Based on the current tax rate, the total increase will be $0.0216 or 2.16 cents over last year’s tax rate.
5. How will this impact my taxes if I am 65 or older?
There will be no impact for taxpayers 65 and older as their taxes are capped as of the date they filed for the Over-65 exemption.
6. What happens if this VATRE (Proposition A) does not pass?
If the VATRE does not pass, the overall tax rate will be 3 cents lower than if it were to pass.
7. Can't HISD just reduce expenditures?
Since 2018, the M&O tax rate has been reduced 36.6 cents. This resulted in about a 9 million deficit that the state has not made up. The district has had to absorb these compressions for the last 7 years.
8. If the VATRE (Proposition A) doesn't pass, can the district go back to the voters to ask again? What would that look like?
If the VATRE does not pass, the district could place it on the ballot no sooner than November 2026.
9. What if I am not a homeowner? Can I vote?
Yes, as long as you are a registered voter, you are eligible to vote. So this means, if you live in a rented house, apartment, etc, and you are eligible to vote, you can vote.
10. How does this impact property values?
The district does not determine property values. The local appraisal districts determine the value of property in the district. The district only sets the tax rate.
11. Why did HISD call a November election?
According to state law, VATREs may only be on a November ballot.
12. If I'm 18 years old or older, how can I check to see if I'm registered/eligible to vote?
When you register to vote, you will receive a voter registration card in the mail at the polling location, and you will be asked to provide your driver's license to verify you can vote. You may also call Ronny Sanders at the Deaf Smith Courthouse.
13. How can I vote by mail?
You can call the courthouse or go by the courthouse and pick up a ballot. However, starting October 20, 2025, you can vote early.
14. How is VATRE different from a Bond?
A VATRE is unrestricted operations money that the Board can request voters to approve. Our district is eligible for 12 pennies (3 golden, 9 copper), but we are only requesting voters to approve 3 golden pennies. A bond is requesting money to make larger repairs or build new buildings, and is the I&S side of the tax rate.
15. How does this affect my student?
A huge issue in our district is technology devices and infrastructure. Also, there are several educational programs that this money could be used for. Because the money is unrestricted, it could be used for any student expense.
16. How does this affect teachers and staff?
The money could be used for technology, programs, and the needed professional development for every staff member. Likewise, the money can be used for staff retention and recruitment.
17. Does HISD use tax dollars wisely?
Hereford ISD has a long-standing position of financial stability. We have clean state and federal audits and a superior Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The rating is based on the fiduciary responsibility to use tax dollars wisely, our clean audits, and how we use our state and federal funds daily.