Hawkins ISD 2025 Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE)

Hawkins ISD is asking voters to consider approving a $0.03 increase to the district’s Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate.

If approved, this change would generate approximately $600,000 in additional annual funding for district operations. These funds could help support:

• Safety and Security
• Student Learning Environments
• Competitive salaries for teachers and staff

What is a VATRE or Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE)?

A Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) is a local school funding election that asks voters whether or not they authorize the school district to access the maintenance and operations tax rate to create additional local funding and additional state funding to be used for specific purposes.

Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE does not create new debt for the district. Instead, it provides funds for additional local funds that can be used for recruitment and retention, student programs, and safety and security measures.

VATRE Information:

The increase equals $0.03 per $100 of taxable property value. For example, any property owner who lives within Hawkins ISD boundaries would pay 3 cents more per $100 of property valuation. Any property owner with a $200,000 house and a homestead exemption of $100,000, this would mean approximately $30 more per year – or $2.50 per month – in taxes. If the proposed $140,000 homestead exemption becomes law, the 3 cent M/O increase would be $18 per year on a $200,000 home.

Ages 65 and older:

Once a property owner receives an over-65 homestead exemption, there is a tax ceiling on their school taxes, meaning the amount paid in school taxes on that home cannot increase as long as you own and live in that home, unless you make additions that would increase the value of the home.