Residents of the Schertz‑Cibolo‑Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) are being asked to vote on a modest 12‑cent increase to the district’s annual property‑tax rate. If approved, the measure would bring roughly $15.1 million in additional funding – $8.2 million from local property taxes and $6.9 million from the state – to address an $8 million budget shortfall and protect essential student programs.
Why the district needs the increase
Superintendent Paige Meloni explained that double‑digit inflation over the past five years has driven up costs for insurance, fuel and other necessities, straining the district’s finances. “Our prices for things like insurance, things like fuel have skyrocketed,” Meloni said. “That’s also happened in the homes of our staff members.”
SCUCISD’s current starting teacher salary sits at $56,500, which Meloni noted is below neighboring districts. The district plans to use part of the new revenue for a one‑time compensation payment to all staff in December and to fund a modest increase in starting teacher pay for the 2026‑27 school year, with raises traditionally ranging between 2 % and 4 %.
What the tax increase means for families
Meloni broke down the cost for homeowners: a property valued at $150,000 would see an extra $15 per month, while a $200,000 valuation would add $20 per month. “It’s really easy to understand – 12 cents, 12 months,” she said.
If voters reject the measure, the district warns of cuts to programs that matter to families: fine‑arts, athletics, career‑tech education (CTE) and other classroom resources could face reductions.
Election details
This is the second consecutive year the district has placed a voter‑approval tax‑rate election (VATRE) on the ballot. Meloni believes the previous effort failed because voters lacked a clear explanation of how the money would be used. This year, the ballot language explicitly states the purpose: supporting staff and student programs.
Early voting runs through Oct. 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3. The district encourages all eligible voters to participate, emphasizing that the modest tax increase is a proactive step to preserve quality education and maintain competitive teacher compensation.
Community impact
Local families, businesses and faith‑based groups have expressed support for the measure, noting that strong schools are a cornerstone of thriving neighborhoods. By securing stable funding, SCUCISD aims to keep class sizes manageable, maintain robust extracurricular offerings and ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their vital work.
For more information on voting locations and the ballot language, residents can visit the SCUCISD website or contact the district office.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
