The Spring ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously at Monday’s Regular Meeting to place a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE, on the Nov. 3 ballot. The VATRE will show up on the ballot as Proposition A.

If approved by voters, Proposition A would increase the district’s Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax to $1.1569 per $100 of property value. This represents a 2-cent tax rate increase from the previous year’s tax rate of $1.1369 per $100 of property value.

For a $250,000 home, the increase would be approximately $55 per year, or less than $5 per month for homeowners with a homestead exemption.

What would Proposition A fund?

Proposition A would help fund the day-to-day needs of Spring ISD — including teachers and staff compensation, student programs and services, transportation, utilities and other costs of running schools. 

It would not fund construction or the district’s bond program.

If approved, Proposition A would provide Spring ISD with an estimated $5.6 million in additional local M&O revenue. The local investment would also unlock approximately $9.9 million in additional state funding, for a combined estimated financial impact of $15.5 million.

“One observation from the last time we did this is that there seemed to be some confusion in our community,” said Spring ISD Board Trustee Winford Adams, Jr. “We had just done a bond, and people asked why we couldn’t use those funds to give raises to employees. Bond funds are specifically for capital projects, while employee raises are part of our regular maintenance and operations.”

Like many school districts, Spring ISD is managing financial challenges caused by declining enrollment, rising costs and state funding that does not fully cover some required expenses. 

Chief of Business Operations Dr. Tamika Alford-Stephens, presented the information during the August regular board meeting, emphasizing the district’s commitment to providing the community with clear information to help voters cast an informed ballot. 

“Every financial decision we make must be anchored in our vision and mission and demonstrate our commitment to student success,” said Alford-Stephens. “This conversation is not simply about tax rates; it’s about maintaining high-quality instruction, supporting our employees and preserving opportunities for our students while also practicing fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, we are focused on one thing: protecting our progress.”

The additional revenue would help the district:

• Protect programs and services that support student success
• Support teacher and staff compensation 
• Address the district’s budget shortfall
• Manage rising operational costs

What would it cost homeowners?

The 5-cent increase would equal approximately $55 per year on a $250,000 home, before accounting for applicable exemptions.

For homeowners with a homestead exemption, the increase would be less than $5 per month on a $250,000 home.

Homeowners who are age 65 or older or who qualify for a disability homestead exemption are generally protected by a tax ceiling, meaning Proposition A would not increase their school district taxes above the applicable ceiling.

“We have worked hard to change the trajectory of Spring ISD, and our students and staff are showing us what is possible when we stay focused and work together,” said Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “Proposition A is about protecting that progress and making sure we have the resources to continue moving forward. Ultimately, this is about giving our students the opportunities they deserve and ensuring our schools remain strong for the years ahead.”

Important Dates to Remember

• Monday, Oct. 5: Last day to register to vote in the November Election
• Monday, Oct. 19 – Friday, Oct. 30: Early voting period
• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day — polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

More information about Proposition A, including details about the proposed tax rate and how the additional funding would be used, will be available in the upcoming weeks.