Despite a $32.7 billion surplus, Texas' 88th Legislature did not increase the basic student allotment nor did they provide funds to address teacher salaries. 

Texas ranks 40th among 50 US states in funding public education. 

The Texas Legislature has not increased the $6,160 basic student allotment since 2019. That's five years of continually being asked to do more, with less despite inflation and rising costs.

According to the Consumer Price Index, average inflation since 2019 has increased by 17%. Truth is, driving a bus costs more today than it did five years ago; serving a hot lunch costs more that it did five years ago; and the simple act of turning on the lights or water costs more than it did five years ago.

1. Teacher Pay
Texas teachers are paid about $8,000 below the national average. Approximately 86% of the district's budget is allocated to personnel costs, covering salaries and benefits.

MISD has lost ground in competitive market pay for teachers over the last several years to help maintain a balanced budget. In the 2023-24 school year, the district made the financially prudent decision to freeze salaries. 

A VATRE would be used to increase teacher compensation through raises based on years of service to the district.

Raises are designed to help close the teacher pay gap among area districts and to help attract, retain, and reward employees who are loyal to MISD.

Teacher Pay Comparison Chart

2. Loyalty Program
Teachers, SROs and hourly employees would be offered additional pay via a newly created MISD Loyalty Program. Additional information is provided by clicking the button below.

View Loyalty Program & Raises

3. School Safety & Security
MISD spends $1.9 million annually on safety and security, providing at least one officer at every campus. A VATRE would allow the district to provide raises to remain competitive in the filed and add additional SROs to our new campuses.

The State provides MISD $250,000 annually for School Safety & Security.

With voter approval, the VATRE would generate $3.7 million annually in local funding and another $3.7 million annually in state funding for staff salaries and campus safety.

Without voter approval, the district cannot access the $3.7 million annually in local funding or the $3.7 million annually in state funding for staff salaries and campus safety.

Since 2020, the Magnolia ISD tax rate has decreased more than 31 cents. If you look historically back to the 2015-16 school year, the total local school tax rate has decreased more than 41 cents.

Tax History chart

No New Revenue

The district General Fund budget comprises local funding (property tax), state funding, and 1% of federal revenues. Montgomery County has seen a large increase in property valuations, but Magnolia ISD has no new (additional) revenue for utilization of the day-to-day operations. 

• The district has saved over $58 million in interest through a bond defeasance plan. 
• One of only nine districts in the State to have earned transparency stars in three categories and one of only two in Montgomery County.
• Clean audits with no findings of comments the last 13+ years.
• 2022 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations.
• Comptroller's Transparency Stars for Traditional Finances for transparency in making the spending and revenue information availalbe.
• Superior FIRST Rating and Letter grade of "A" - highest designation for the State Financial Accountability (98/100).

What is a VATRE?
A VATRE is a local school funding election or Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election that asks voters whether or not they authorize the district to access the maintenance and operations tax rate to generate additional local funding, as well as additional state funding, for specific purposes.

Why did the Magnolia ISD call a November election?
VATRE elections can only be called during the November general election. Despite conservative spending, balanced budgets and paying debt off early, MISD is not keeping pace with other area school districts on compensation and benefits for employees. MISD currently ranks 8th of the 11 area school districts when it comes to salaries/compensation.

How much money will the VATRE generate?
The Magnolia ISD VATRE would generate $3.7 million in local funding for staff salaries and school safety, which in turn, would generate an additional $3.7 million in state funding for the same purposes.

If the VATRE passes, how will the money be spent?
If the November 5 VATRE is approved by voters, it will generate $3.7 million annually in local funding, which will cause the state to kick in another $3.7 million annually for a total of nearly $7.4 million. The money will be used to cover staff and constable salary increases, fund a MISD Loyalty Pay program for employees and constables based on their years of service with the district and help fund additional county constables for school safety.

What if the VATRE does not pass?
If voters reject the VATRE, MISD will not be able to access the additional $3.7 million in local funding or the $3.7 million annually in state funding. The district would continue to try to balance the local budget, but would not be able to fund the MISD Loyalty Pay program.

How will the VATRE impact the tax rate?
Magnolia ISD’s tax rate has decreased 41 cents since 2015-2016. For the 2024-2025 year, MISD’s tax rate to be adopted is projected to be $0.9595 per $100 assessed valuation. The projected tax rate if the VATRE is approved would be $0.9895 per $100 assessed valuation. This would be $8.21 more a month for the average homeowner.

Will the VATRE create more debt for Magnolia ISD?
No. Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE does not create new debt. It creates additional funding for specific purposes.

How is this local school election (VATRE) sustainable?
The State Funding System includes a component where the three additional pennies, on the maintenance and operations side of the budget, MISD is asking voters for, results in an increase in revenue every biennium.

How does the VATRE impact citizens 65+?
Citizens 65 and older who have not made improvements to their home have their taxes frozen and will not be impacted by the VATRE.

When is early voting?
Early voting is both convenient and flexible. Early voting will take place at any Montgomery County voting location between October 21 and November 1.

Where should I vote?
During the early voting period, you can cast your ballot at any Montgomery County voting site. On election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, you must vote by precinct #.

How can I check to see if I am registered/eligible to vote?
Visit https://www.votetexas.gov/ to register or check your voter eligibility.

Election Day is November 5, 2024

Early Voting:
Early Voting is both convenient and flexible. Dates and times are as follows:
October 21 - 25   8AM - 5PM
October 26            7AM - 7PM
October 27            11AM - 5PM
October 28 - November 1   7AM - 7PM 
Click here to view Early Voting locations and for additional information.

Election Day:
On Election Day, voters must cast their ballot at their Precinct location. Polling sites are open from 7 AM - 7 PM.
Click here to find your Precinct location and for additional information.
 

Voter Registration:
The last day to register to vote for the November 5, 2024, election is October 7, 2024.
Click here to check your voter eligibility and registration status.

Voting Locations

Notice of Special Election VATRE