What is the difference between a VATRE and a Bond?

While NISD has asked voters to approve the insurance of bonds in the past to address aging facilities, it has never put a VATRE on the ballot. So, what is the difference?

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

Watch the video below to learn more.

Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE)

A VATRE is designed to provide additional funding for a school district’s day-to-day operations. If approved by voters, the additional revenue would support the district’s contingent employee compensation plan and help reduce the district’s budget deficit.

Key information about the VATRE:

• Under Texas law, a VATRE can only be held during the November election.
• Funds support People and Programs such as employee compensation, classroom programs and supplies, transportation, fuel, and utilities.
• The additional revenue from this VATRE would be used to support NISD’s contingent employee compensation plan and help reduce the district’s budget deficit.
• If voters do not approve the VATRE, the contingent compensation plan will not be implemented.
• A VATRE is the only legal mechanism to raise local funds to increase employee compensation.

Bond Election

A bond election is different from a VATRE. Bonds are used to fund major, long-term capital investments in facilities, infrastructure, technology, and other large-scale projects.

Key information about the bond propositions:

• Bond funds are used for major capital projects and infrastructure, not routine operating expenses.
• Potential uses include new schools and facilities, campus renovations, safety and security improvements, replacement of aging systems such as heating and air conditioning, and technology upgrades.
• State law prohibits the use of school bond funds for routine operating expenses, such as teacher and staff salaries, general maintenance, or classroom supplies.
• The proposed bond package includes several propositions.
• One proposition would address the 50-year-old George Block Aquatics Center.
• Another proposition would address the life-cycle replacement of technology.

Key Information:

For additional information about the VATRE/Bond, go to our website at nisd.net/bond26. 

Early Voting runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30, with election day on Nov. 3. If you aren’t registered to vote yet, be sure to go online at bexar.org/1702/Register-to-Vote. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.