Groveton ISD 2025 VATRE

What is a VATRE?

VATRE stands for Voter Approval Tax Rate Election. A VATRE asks voters to approve a Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate to sustain competitive pay for staff, and maintain instructional and extracurricular opportunities and programs of choice.

The new tax rate would generate an estimated $954,035 in additional funds for GISD students and teachers. 

If approved by voters, the total tax rate will still remain $0.14 below the current $0.92 state average. 

Why is GISD seeking a VATRE?

1. Access to Additional State Funding

A VATRE would allow GISD to receive additional revenue through state funding. This funding would supplement local revenue and help ensure the district can maintain its current level of services and programs for students.

2. Sustain Current Programs of Choice for Students

A VATRE would help the district maintain its current programs of choice, including academic courses, career and technical education pathways, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. These programs are intended to offer a range of opportunities for all students.

3. Competitive Teacher & Support Compensation

A VATRE would provide additional funding that could be used to maintain competitive salaries and benefits for teachers and support staff. Competitive compensation helps the district attract and retain qualified personnel.

How will this impact me?

The level of impact felt by individual tax payers will depend upon their property values along with any exemptions that they each may qualify for.  Review the chart below to see how your tax rates will differ with or without the approval of the VATRE as well as the monthly increase you can expect to see based upon your property values. 

What if I am 65 or older?

At age 65, property owners can file a 65+ exemption as part of their homestead that will freeze the amount in dollars they pay to the school district that year for all future years. You will never pay more in dollars to the school district, although you would pay a smaller amount if there were a tax compression.

What will the State’s contribution be?