The Garland ISD Board of Trustees received a unanimous recommendation from its Proposition A Citizens Steering Committee to pursue a 12-cent hike to the district’s maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate.

The recommendation, during a June 24 trustee workshop, aims to help close a projected $60 million budget deficit in the 2025–26 school year.

The committee, composed of citizens, parents, educators and students from Garland, Rowlett and Sachse, voted unanimously in favor of the proposal. Superintendent Ricardo López praised the group’s diversity and commitment to reviewing the district’s financial realities.

Over the course of three meetings, supported by a third-party facilitator, the committee reviewed GISD’s budget challenges and potential solutions focused on sustaining student programs.

Key concerns included the district’s growing number of high-need students. While enrollment has declined, GISD has seen increases in students requiring special education, English language support and other services. The percentage of economically disadvantaged students has risen from 48% to 70% over the past decade.

District leaders also cited large funding gaps caused by unfunded state mandates. Special education programs are underfunded by an estimated $15.2 million, and school safety mandates fall short by $9.9 million.

The proposed tax rate increase would generate about $56 million annually, offsetting the projected $46 million shortfall. Homeowners with properties valued at $140,000 or less would see no tax increase. Those with homes valued at $200,000 would see a reduction due to expanded exemptions, while $400,000 homes would see an estimated $7 annual increase. Seniors with a homestead exemption would not be affected.

Student and community voices played a role in the process. Messiah, a Naaman Forest senior who is part of the P-TECH program, and Garland High graduate Emma Graves spoke about the impact of GISD programs on their futures. Community members Yao Asante and Amanda Wenzel also shared how the district’s programs influenced their decision to move to Garland and become involved in PTA leadership.

Trustees also reviewed a voter opinion survey assessing support for a possible Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).

Initial responses from a 300-voter sample showed limited support: 42% backed a 12-cent increase and 39% favored an 8-cent option. Opposition was stronger in both cases.

However, after receiving more information about how funds would be used, support rose to 61% for both proposals. Parent support jumped from 56% to 78% and staff support rose from 64% to 82%.

The district ensured the survey was geographically balanced. Voters in odd-year November elections skew older and more conservative, with 71% age 55 or older. Nearly half of anticipated voters are seniors, though only 60% were aware of the state’s property tax freeze for those 65 and older.

Overall, 58% of respondents viewed GISD favorably, while only 20% held a negative opinion. About 42% believed the district needs more funding, especially for teacher pay. Only 21% believed the district spends money wastefully, consistent with statewide averages.

Survey analysts said targeted outreach and message clarity will be key to building support. Emphasizing the limited flexibility of state funds—including the restricted impact of House Bill 2—was cited as crucial.

Despite $27 million in new state funding through House Bill 2, only $2 million is available for general operations. The rest is designated for uses like teacher raises and does not significantly reduce the $60 million shortfall.

“Even if House Bill 2 hadn’t passed, our budget deficit would be nearly the same,” one trustee said, emphasizing the need for local action.

Trustees are expected to consider further budget measures, including the possibility of placing the VATRE on the November ballot, later this summer.

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