Several Texas school districts are considering their next steps after voters rejected dozens of school bonds and tax-rate increases in the November 3 General Election. No final decisions have been made. Options under consideration include operational adjustments and the sale of unused school properties. Some districts said they will take no action for now and are waiting for the 90th Texas Legislature to provide more school funding.
Destin Sensky of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility estimated that local voters rejected about 75 percent of the property tax-backed bonds and voter-approval tax rate elections put on the ballot by cities, counties and school districts statewide.
Ysleta Independent School District Superintendent Xavier De La Torre told CBS 4 that voters rejected a tax-rate election that would have provided about $5.5 million toward the district's budget deficit. He said the district is considering selling 11 school properties and changing employee health plans, which could help reduce costs. He said the district does not plan to ask voters to reconsider the tax-rate proposal.
Fox 26 reported that Cy-Fair ISD officials will meet in the coming months to consider various operational adjustments and cost-saving measures. Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera said the district will look at efficiencies after voters rejected a 9-cent tax-rate increase. He said there will be no immediate cuts or staffing changes, and no budget discussions before the 90th Legislative Session. He said the district hopes lawmakers will provide additional funding for public schools.