This year, Coupland ISD ISD and many other school districts are projecting a funding shortage due to the rising costs associated with school operations and the necessity to pay staff a competitive wage.

VATRE Flier (Link)

School districts are funded primarily through local property taxes, with some additional funding from the State of Texas, depending on multiple factors. The Texas Education Agency calculates a district’s state funding by estimating how much local tax revenue the district should collect based on local property values.

School Finance Basics (Link to Video)

For the 2024-2025 school year, Coupland ISD is projecting a deficit budget. While the current projected deficit is only 1.8% of the total budget, it is especially concerning looking forward. Operational costs, healthcare costs, and salary increases are known factors that will further stretch the district’s limited resources in 2025-2026 and beyond without an increase in revenue. Additionally, the district is planning on building a new middle school that is scheduled to open in August 2026 with funds from the 2023 bond. With this new facility comes increased costs. These expenses include initial, one-time costs (uniforms, supplies, lawn mower, instructional resources and programs) and reoccurring costs (staff, utilities, insurance).

For these reasons, the Coupland ISD Board of trustees has unanimously approved calling for a Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on November 5, 2024.

VATRE (Link to Video)

Approval of the VATRE will:

1. Provide an additional $208,733 in M & O revenue (approximately)

2. Provide funds for a 1-time payment for staff (contingent on the VATRE passing)

3. Provide funds for additional staff (as needed)

4. Provide funds to be used for supplies (initial, 1-time costs of new MS)

Notice of Election Travis County

Notice of Election Williamson County

Proposition Language

Election Order

Tax Rate with VATRE

$1.1969

Tax Rate without VATRE

$1.1669