Texas school districts turn to voters for funding as budget pressures mount

Several Texas school districts, including Cypress-Fairbanks, San Antonio, Northside and Socorro ISDs, have measures on the Nov. 3 ballot seeking money for staff pay, programs and building needs. The article, from the teachers' union Texas AFT, describes two types of measures. A voter-approval tax rate election asks for added operating money, while a bond lets a district borrow for long-term projects. Both need voter approval and can affect property taxes.

Cy-Fair has five propositions: one would raise about $103.6 million a year in operating revenue, and four make up a roughly $1.6 billion bond. District officials say Cy-Fair has cut over $94 million in operating spending across three fiscal years. San Antonio ISD seeks about $5.5 million in operating revenue and a $600 million bond. Northside's operating proposal would raise the tax rate by 3 cents for $21.5 million, alongside an $866 million bond. The article says Northside faces a $38 million budget cut. Socorro's proposal would raise the rate by 12 cents for $49 million.

The article says the Legislature added school funding through HB 2 in 2025, but educators and district leaders argue it has not kept pace with inflation. Texas AFT endorsed all four districts' propositions and blames state policy, including a $1 billion voucher program. Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Oct. 30.