Courtesy GISD

Voters in Garland ISD—including those in Sachse, Rowlett and Garland—will decide on Proposition A, a Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE), on Nov. 4.

If approved, the measure would raise the district’s property tax rate by 12 cents, generating approximately $41 millionannually for daily operations. The state would also provide $15 million in matching incentive funds, resulting in a total of $56 million in new revenue to help address Garland ISD’s $60 million budget deficit.

According to the district, the proposed tax increase would not affect homeowners age 65 and older, fully disabled veterans, or those with homes valued under $350,000. Homeowners with property valued at $400,000 or more would see an increase in their annual GISD property tax bill (see related chart).

In June, a 60-member steering committee—comprising parents, community members and local business owners from Sachse, Garland and Rowlett—recommended the maximum tax increase allowed under the Texas school finance system. The GISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the recommendation during a special meeting in August.

District officials say passing the VATRE is critical to retain teachers and staff, comply with state mandates, support special education services, and fund magnet, fine arts, and Career & Technical Education programs.

By Whitney Alswede, Special Contributor

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