El Paso residents with children in the Ysleta Independent School District (Ysleta ISD) will see a tax‑increase question on the November ballot. The district’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Voter‑Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) in August, seeking voter authorization to raise the ad valorem tax rate beyond the state‑mandated ceiling.
What the measure proposes
The ballot language reads: “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE. Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.1954 per $100 valuation in the Ysleta Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of ‑1.70 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional ‑$992,296.04.”
If approved, the higher rate would generate up to $5.5 million each year by shifting a portion of property‑tax revenue directly to daily operations. The board’s alternative, a rate of $1.15 per $100 valuation, would have left the district with less funding for essential services.
Why the district is seeking the increase
Ysleta ISD officials argue that the additional revenue is needed to maintain current staffing levels, support classroom resources, and keep programs that families rely on. The district’s financial outlook, according to the board’s presentation, shows a modest shortfall in maintenance‑and‑operations (M&O) funds if the lower rate is adopted.
Board Chairperson John Martinez emphasized that the measure is a proactive step to avoid future budget cuts that could affect teachers, extracurricular activities, and essential support services. “Our children deserve a stable learning environment,” Martinez said. “This modest increase ensures we can continue to provide the quality education our community expects.”
How the vote will be counted
Registered voters in the Ysleta ISD boundary – covering parts of El Paso, Socorro, and surrounding communities – will receive a ballot that lists the tax‑rate question alongside other local measures. The election is non‑partisan; no candidate names appear, and the measure is presented as a straightforward fiscal decision.
According to the El Paso County Elections Department, the pollbook equipment has been tested and is ready for the upcoming vote. Early‑voting locations will be open from October 20 to October 30, with the official election day on November 5.
Community response
Local parents and business owners have voiced mixed opinions. The El Paso Parents for Education coalition, a group of families who support strong school funding, urged voters to approve the measure, citing the need for reliable resources and the district’s commitment to low teacher‑to‑student ratios.
Conversely, the Taxpayer Freedom Alliance, a local advocacy organization, warned that the increase could set a precedent for higher property taxes across the region. Their spokesperson, Maria Gonzalez, said, “We must be vigilant that any tax hike is truly necessary and not a band‑aid that masks deeper fiscal mismanagement.”
What’s at stake
Should voters reject the higher rate, Ysleta ISD will be required to adopt the lower $1.15 rate, potentially tightening the district’s budget. Officials have indicated that such a scenario could lead to reductions in supplemental programs, delayed facility upgrades, and limited hiring flexibility.
Approval, on the other hand, would provide a financial cushion that the board says is essential for maintaining current service levels and planning for future growth as the district’s student population continues to rise.
How to learn more
Ysleta ISD has scheduled informational webinars and town‑hall meetings throughout October. Residents can also review the full ballot language and financial projections on the district’s website or contact the board office at (915) 555‑1234.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the voters who will determine whether the district can secure the additional $5.5 million needed to keep schools operating smoothly for the coming year.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
