What is a VATRE?
VATRE, or Voter Approval Tax Rate Election, is a special election that allows voters to decide whether a school district can increase its tax rate above the state defined limit. If approved, the additional revenue can be used to support teacher and staff salaries, academic programs, and other operational needs. This type of election is one of the only ways for voters to authorize the investment of additional funds into local schools for continued support of students and staff.
What’s the reason for this decision?
Basic state funding for district operations has not kept pace with inflation. To keep up with post-COVID inflation, the basic allotment would have needed to increase by over $1,400, but it has only increased $55.
Background
At their regularly scheduled board meeting on August 18, 2025, the
Hereford ISD Board of Trustees officially called a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).
The decision follows a recommendation from a citizens committee composed of HISD
staff, community members, and business owners who spent the summer evaluating
funding options for the district.
The citizens committee concluded that a VATRE would benefit students, staff, and the
broader HISD community by adding additional revenues to support student programs and
staff salaries. The measure asks voters to consider approving a proposed tax rate that will
represent a 2.16-cent increase over last year’s rate with approximately 70% of the
additional funding coming from the state.
If approved, the VATRE would generate additional funding that will be directed toward two
primary goals: enhancing student programs and retaining high quality staff. By helping to
ensure that HISD can offer competitive compensation, the district aims to retain and
attract top-quality educators and support personnel. The district intends for additional
funding for student programs to foster an educational environment of growth and
empowerment, preparing students to become educated, active, and inspirational leaders
in their community and beyond.