Election 2024: How School Funding, Pay Raises Fared in Austin ISD, Spring ISD Votes

Across the state, dozens of school districts held Voter-Approval Tax Rate Elections (VATREs) this week seeking to generate additional local and state revenue to provide educators and school employees with enhanced raises and help meet other pressing needs such as school safety and security. These VATREs are necessary because state funding for public education has remained stagnant since 2019 despite historic inflation during that time.

With most of the election results in, it is clear that voters showed strong support in some communities while expressing hesitation in others. Many of the election results reflected nationwide trends of increased scrutiny of local tax measures during times of economic pressure, with outcomes influenced by the makeup and turnout of local electorates.

Texas AFT members actively supported VATREs in Austin ISD and Spring ISD in the 2024 general election.

Austin ISD

In a strong showing of community support for public education, about 58% of Austin voters approved the district's VATRE. The successful campaign was backed by a broad coalition including Education Austin (our local affiliate), the Austin Council of PTAs, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating the deep commitment across sectors to supporting our schools and educators.

The VATRE will generate $171 million in new revenue, with $41 million remaining in the district after recapture. Most importantly, $17.8 million has been specifically earmarked for raises for 85% of regular, benefits-eligible staff, with a focus on providing competitive salaries for veteran teachers. These raises will be retroactive to the start of the current school year.

The remaining local revenue will help address the district's budget deficit ($20 million) and provide additional support for mental health and special education services ($3.2 million).

The victory reflects years of successful organizing that have helped elect and maintain a pro-educator school board. This was evident in comments from Board President Arati Singh, who expressed gratitude to the community for "choosing to invest in our schools and our students." Similarly, Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the critical importance of investing in educators, stating that "the single unit of change in our classrooms is our educators and if we're not investing in them, then our students are not going to get what they need to be successful."

While challenges remain - including the need to address the remaining budget deficit and the ongoing impact of the state's recapture system - this victory demonstrates what is possible when educators, parents, and community members unite behind public education.

Spring ISD

In Harris County, Spring ISD's VATRE faced a more challenging environment, with 63% of voters opposing the measure. The proposed tax rate increase would have generated $20.1 million in additional annual revenue to address the district's significant budget shortfall and provide modest raises for educators. Without these funds, the district now faces difficult decisions as it grapples with a projected $12 million budget deficit.

The contrasting outcomes in Austin ISD and Spring ISD highlight the ongoing challenges facing Texas public schools, particularly in communities where building broader coalitions in support of public education requires sustained organizing efforts. While Spring ISD's leadership has committed to maintaining their dedication to students and families despite the setback, the results underscore the critical importance of continued organizing, advocacy, and community engagement work.

These VATREs, while important tools for districts facing immediate funding challenges, are ultimately stopgap measures that cannot replace the need for sustainable state funding. As we prepare for the 89th legislative session in 2025, these election results reinforce the urgent need for comprehensive school finance reform. Texas AFT will continue to fight alongside our members and allies to ensure that all public schools receive the full funding they deserve and need to thrive - not through a patchwork of local tax increases, but through meaningful state-level investment in our students, educators, and school employees.

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