A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is a local school operations funding election that asks voters whether or not they authorize the district to increase its annual operations tax rate (also called the maintenance and operations, or M&O tax rate). The increase would generate additional local revenue, as well as additional state funding, that can be used for day-to-day operations such as funding salaries, utilities and student programs.

VATRE elections can only be held during the November general election.

Despite spending reductions implemented in the 2026-2027 budget, SCUC ISD continues to face a budget deficit. Through the work of the Operational Sustainability Committee, the district identified multiple strategies to reduce expenses and address its financial outlook. The committee also discussed a VATRE as an option for generating additional operating revenue. In August 2026, the Board of Trustees voted to call a VATRE for the November 3, 2026, election.

Yes. In May 2026, voters approved three bond propositions for campus renovations and facility improvements, safety and security updates, stadium and athletic facility improvements, and student and staff instructional devices.  

By law, funding approved in a bond cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses. 

A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) addresses a different part of the district’s budget. If approved, it would generate additional annual operating revenue for expenses such as teacher and staff pay, utilities, and student programs.

The local operations funding election, formally called a VATRE, will appear as the last item on the November 3 ballot. Voters will have the option to vote “for” (in favor of approving) or “against” (against approving) the local operations funding election. The ballot language for that vote is as follows:
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Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.1969 per $100 valuation in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 18 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $8,256,727 for the purpose of recruiting and retaining staff and maintaining program offerings for students. 
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The ballot language is written in accordance with state requirements. For additional context:

• The 18% stated on the ballot refers to the projected increase in total maintenance and operations tax revenue, not an 18% increase in the tax rate. The proposal is a 12-cent increase to the tax rate.
• The $8,256,727 shown on the ballot represents projected additional local revenue, not total projected revenue. If the VATRE is approved, the district also expects to receive approximately $6.9 million in additional state funding, bringing the total additional revenue available to SCUC to approximately $15.1 million.

Unlike bond funding, which is approved for specific construction or capital projects, the revenue generated from the local operations funding election becomes part of the district’s annual operating budget. 

If approved, the approximately $15.1 million in additional annual funding would be used to eliminate the $8 million budget deficit and fund operating expenses, including recruiting and retaining staff and maintaining program offerings for students.

The additional revenue would help SCUC ISD recruit and retain teachers and staff by allowing the district to offer more competitive pay and benefits. This helps maintain staffing levels that support manageable class sizes.

Additionally, the available funding would help maintain student opportunities in fine arts, career and technical education, athletics, extracurricular activities, academics and student support.

If the VATRE is not approved, SCUC ISD would not receive the approximately $8.2 million in additional local revenue or the $6.9 million in related state funding. 

The district would continue addressing its budget deficit within existing revenue, which would require consideration of additional spending reductions. Any future budget decisions would be discussed and approved through the district’s public budget process. 

The district’s operating budget pays for the teachers, staff and programs that support students each day. Staffing levels also influence how many students are assigned to each class. Larger classes can reduce the time available for individual instruction, feedback and student support. 

If the VATRE is not approved, staffing levels, class sizes and student programs could be considered as part of the district’s public budget process for 2027-2028. 

SCUC ISD competes with neighboring school districts to recruit and retain teachers and staff, and pay is a factor. Current salary comparisons show that SCUC ISD pay for several employee groups is among the lowest in the area. 

If the VATRE is approved, eligible employees would receive a one-time retention payment during the 2026–2027 school year. An ongoing pay increase would then be considered as part of the district’s 2027–2028 budget process. Any future salary increase would require approval by the Board of Trustees.

SCUC ISD earned an overall B rating with a score of 81 in the Texas Education Agency’s 2025 Instructional Accountability Ratings. The state accountability system evaluates student achievement, school progress and efforts to close achievement gaps. SCUC ISD remains focused on continued academic growth while providing students with strong educational programs and opportunities.

SCUC ISD earned a financial accountability rating of A – Superior Achievement for 2025-26. The TEA’s financial accountability rating system, known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve these practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.