VATRE2025
Rockwall ISD VATRE 2025
Prop A (VATRE) Ballot Language Explained
Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE)
A Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) is a local school funding election that asks voters whether or not they authorize the school district to access the maintenance and operations tax rate to create additional local funding and additional state funding to be used for specific purposes.
Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE does not create new debt for the district. Instead, it provides funds for additional local funds that can be used for recruitment and retention, special education and student programs, and safety and security measures.
Why call a VATRE?
A Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election provides additional local funds that can be used for recruitment and retention, special education and student programs, and safety and security measures. Teacher and staff salaries in Rockwall ISD are currently lower than in many surrounding districts whose communities have passed VATREs, which affects recruitment and retention. While the Texas Legislature recently approved the first school funding increase since 2019, it does not cover the full costs of state-required programs or ongoing operational costs.
If the VATRE passes,
the additional funding — about $16.5 million per year — would be allocated as follows:
- 64% for competitive pay for all employees, with an emphasis on veteran teacher pay.
- 24% for underfunded special education and other student needs.
- 12% for underfunded school safety.
Rockwall ISD is one of only four in our area who have not been given authorization to access additional funding through a VATRE.
If voters reject the VATRE,
the district will continue to be at a competitive disadvantage attracting and retaining teachers and staff. The district will also have to consider increasing class sizes, program reductions and increases in fees because it will not have access to an additional $16.5 million in funding.
How would VATRE funds be used?
If approved, VATRE funds would be used to close the gap on the projected operating deficit by funding special education, student programs and school safety, as well as employee compensation to hire/retain quality staff.
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64% or $10,500,000 will be used for Competitive Teacher & Staff Pay
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24% or $4,000,000 will be used for Special Ed & Other Student Needs
- 12% or $2,000,000 will be used for School Safety
If voters reject the VATRE, the district will continue to be at a competitive disadvantage attracting and retaining teachers and staff. The district will also have to consider increasing class sizes, program reductions and increases in fees because it will not have access to an additional $16.5 million in funding.
Senior Chief Finance Officer David Carter presented the compensation plan during the August 18th board meeting. You can view the presentation here: 2026-2027 Compensation Plan. Below is the breakdown of VATRE compensation percentages by employee category.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about Texas School Finance and the Rockwall ISD Budget: