Dr. Jason Bullock, MISD Superintendent introduced the VATRE that will appear on the November 5th ballot and Dr Eric Morris explained the details. Pictured are Ted Cummings, Dr. ReErich Morris, Amelia Lindley, Stacia Norris and Jason Bullock A 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 additional debt for the school district. It generates funds both locally and at the state level for the day-to-day operations of the district. The money stays locally, and the additional funds return each year.
Despite being fiscally responsible, paying down debt early, and balancing the annual budget, MISD is falling behind neighboring school districts in hiring, compensating, and retaining quality staff. Texas has not increased the per-student allotment since 2019 despite double-digit inflationary costs impacting the school budget.
If approved, the November 5 VATRE would generate $3.7 million more annually in local funding and $3.7 million more annually in state funding for an additional $7.4 million every year. The money would be used to pay teacher salaries, fund a Loyalty Pay program for all staff and pay increases for county constables/school resource officers for campus safety/security. The employee pay raises and Loyalty Pay program are designed to help close the pay gap among area districts.
If the VATRE is not approved, Magnolia ISD cannot access the $3.4 million in local funds nor will the district receive the $3.4 million in state funds.
