Home - VATRE & Bond 2024

A Plan for Educators and Schools While Remaining One of the Lowest Tax Rates in the Area:

The Rockwall ISD VATRE & Bond propositions are two parts of a long-range plan. The VATRE will allow Rockwall ISD to increase compensation for educators, fund state requirements, including unfunded state mandates and allow the District to hire more teachers to meet the growing enrollment. The Bond propositions will include the construction of two new elementary schools, a replacement elementary school, renovations and upgrades to other campuses, expanding Career and Technical Education spaces, new buses, refreshed technology and more. 

Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election:
A Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) is an election required by state law when the district adopts a tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate. A VATRE permits voting for or against the tax rate proposition. A VATRE allows a school district to utilize additional pennies on its tax rate in order to generate additional revenue. As the name indicates, this must be approved by voters within the school district.

There are no funding mechanisms that address inflation to provide districts more resources for teacher raises, inflationary costs, etc. The only way Texas school districts receive more revenue to address increased costs above the state's student allotment is through the Texas Legislature or a local Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). 

Bond:
A committee of 60 citizens, community leaders, campus staff, and parents met to study Rockwall ISD's facilities and projected growth. Then, they proposed the priorities of the district facilities. This bond package is based on their recommendations. 

Bond monies are paid from the Interest & Sinking tax rate. These funds are used for construction, renovations, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment) and land purchases. By law, I&S funds cannot be used for salaries or staff (see graphic below for uses).