Grapevine-Colleyville schools ask voters to approve tax rate for staff, student programs

The Grapevine-Colleyville school district is asking voters for a tax rate increase because it says the state is not providing adequate funding for teachers, transportation and other needs.

Election day for the Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election, or VATRE, is Nov. 5, and early voting begins Oct. 21. The last day to register is Oct. 7.

Superintendent Brad Schnautz said in a statement on the district’s website that the school board and district have worked “diligently” to reduce expenses during the past several years and provide tax relief on the debt portion of the tax rate, even with the passage of a $150 million bond in May.

“We encourage the members of our community to learn more about the VATRE, along with budget information and district tax rates, and ask questions before casting their vote in this election,” he said.

Grapevine-Colleyville and other districts across the state are dealing with budget shortfalls after the Legislature failed to allocate funding to address skyrocketing inflation of almost 20%. The basic allotment funding per student has not increased since 2019.

Districts must also pay for other state mandates such as school security.

The school district is asking voters to approve an increase in the maintenance and operations portion of the property tax rate, from 72.9 cents per $100 of assessed value to 73.69 cents. Because the district lowered the tax rate for its debt service, the overall tax rate will drop slightly, saving the owner of a $485,386 home $6.88.

The additional revenue would bring in approximately $6 million for teachers, extracurricular activities, transportation, student programs and other daily operating expenses.

A meeting about the election is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the GCISD Professional Development Center, 5800 Colleyville Blvd.