NISD Board Calls for VATRE and Bond Election in November

At its Aug. 11 Board meeting, the Northside Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to place a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) and several bond packages on the ballot in November.

The Board's discussion comes after several weeks of work by the district's Citizens' Bond Committee, a group made up of parents, community members, business leaders, district employees, and representatives. The committee has spent the summer reviewing information about Northside's future needs, asking questions, and examining potential options for both a bond election and a VATRE.

 "The NISD Board’s decision to call a VATRE and Bond election reflects our continued commitment to the students, staff, and families of Northside," said Board President Dr. Sonia Jasso. "We are grateful to the members of our Citizens Bond Committee for their time, thoughtful work, and honest feedback throughout this process. As we move toward the Nov. 3 election, our community can expect clear and transparent information about both proposals so voters can make an informed decision." 

Although a VATRE and bond election are often discussed together, they serve different purposes.

A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election is designed to provide additional funding for a school district's day-to-day operations. That can include teacher and staff compensation, classroom programs and supplies, transportation costs such as fuel, and utilities.

Under Texas law, a VATRE can only be held during the November election. If the VATRE is approved by voters, the additional revenue would be used to support the district's contingent employee compensation plan and help reduce the district's budget deficit.

The compensation plan approved by the Board is contingent on voter approval of the VATRE. If voters do not approve the election, the plan will not be implemented.

A bond election, meanwhile, is used to fund major capital expenses and infrastructure projects. Bond proceeds can be used for projects such as constructing new schools and facilities, renovating existing campuses, improving safety and security, replacing aging systems such as heating and air conditioning, and upgrading technology.

State law prohibits the use of school bond funds for routine operating expenses, such as teacher and staff salaries, general maintenance, or classroom supplies. Instead, bonds function much like financing large, one-time investments in district facilities and infrastructure.

As part of the potential bond package, two separate propositions are also being discussed.

One proposition would address the 50-year-old George Block Aquatics Center. A second proposition would address the life-cycle replacement of technology.

The district is expected to provide additional information to the community as the process moves forward. Officials said they plan to visit campuses and departments, share updates, answer questions, and provide information about the potential elections in the coming weeks.