Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) is placing a voter‑approval tax rate election (VATRE) on the ballot, asking community members to support a six‑cent property‑tax increase. The additional revenue – roughly $219 per average household – would provide the district with an estimated $32 million to fund a 2% general pay raise for all employees, raise the starting teacher salary from $56,750 to $58,000, and address pay compression across the district.
Why the tax is needed
Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez explained that state funding has not kept pace with rising operational costs, leaving RRISD unable to increase compensation without new local revenue. “Our current situation is no different than many other—actually most—public schools in the state of Texas due to the lack of really appropriate or adequate funding from the state,” he said.
Chief Financial Officer Ludivina Cansino added that because the Texas Education Agency classifies RRISD as a “property‑rich” district, the district must recapture a portion of its local tax revenue. “It is a very hard conversation to have with taxpayers,” Cansino noted, emphasizing that a portion of any additional tax dollars will be sent back to the state.
Impact on teachers and staff
Teachers’ union president Tammy Conrad urged the district to act, warning that stagnant salaries could drive qualified educators to higher‑pay jobs outside education. “Why will these employees stay in public education if they can get a job in fast food for more money?” she asked at a June board meeting.
Human Resources Chief Eddie Curran confirmed that no additional state funding is available this year for district‑wide pay increases beyond what was provided in House Bill 2 during the 89th legislative session. The proposed tax would therefore be the only realistic path to achieving the desired raises.
Financial outlook
RRISD’s operating budget for FY 2026‑27 is $486.1 million, with about 90% allocated to payroll. The district currently holds roughly $43.2 million in its fund balance, covering about 32 days of operating expenses—well short of the Texas Education Agency’s recommendation of a 90‑day reserve.
Recent years have seen the district eliminate dozens of positions and cut tens of millions of dollars in expenses, but enrollment declines and inflation have eroded the basic allotment. A $23.6 million shortfall is projected for FY 2025‑26, prompting the need for new revenue sources.
What voters need to know
If the VATRE passes, the average homeowner will see an annual tax bill increase of roughly $219. The district expects to return about $15 million of the new revenue to the state through recapture, while the remaining funds will be dedicated to staff compensation and related costs.
Should the measure fail, teachers not covered by HB 2 and other employees would miss out on the proposed raises. The district is also exploring proposals to increase employee contributions to healthcare plans, which could raise premiums for staff.
Community response
Residents have expressed concern over rising property taxes, but many recognize the importance of retaining quality educators and staff. The board’s decision to place the tax question before voters reflects a commitment to transparency and community involvement in solving the district’s budget challenges.
Voters will have the opportunity to weigh the modest tax increase against the need to sustain competitive salaries and maintain the quality of education in Round Rock. The outcome will shape the district’s ability to attract and keep qualified teachers and staff in the years ahead.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
