MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) — Many school districts across Central Texas are facing budget deficits, causing them to make difficult decisions to keep their schools funded.
The Marble Falls Independent School District is one of those districts, and it’s now turning to a school funding election in November to help protect class sizes and student programs.
The district’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call a School Funding Election for Nov. 5.
If approved, it would generate approximately $2.2 million to support what the district calls critical needs such as recruiting and retaining staff, maintaining current class sizes and continuing student activities and programs.
The School Funding Election includes a 2.67-cent tax increase to the Maintenance & Operations tax rate.
Marble Falls ISD said, “Unlike past funding structures, where portions of tax revenue might have been sent back to the state to redistribute to other school districts, every dollar of the tax revenue generated through this election will stay right here in Marble Falls ISD, directly impacting local students and schools.”
The district said without voter approval of the School Funding Election, Marble Falls ISD will face significant budget cuts, which could affect personnel and student programs.
If voters approve Proposition A in November, the monthly tax bill on a home valued at about $400,000 would increase by $8.90 according to the district.
Early voting will be held from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, and Election Day will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7.
The Marble Falls ISD School Funding Election, also known as a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, will be available on ballots for all voters living in the Marble Falls ISD.
For more information about the VATRE click here.