The Garland ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place Proposition A, also known as the Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE), on the Nov. 4, 2025, election ballot. If approved by voters, Proposition A could generate approximately $56 million for the district’s Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budget, which funds expenses such as teacher and staff salaries, student programming, special education, and safety and security.

"Our goal is to ensure that Garland ISD can continue providing high-quality educational experiences for all students. Proposition A allows our community to decide how we address funding challenges, particularly in areas that directly affect classrooms, teachers, and support services,” said Garland ISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo López.

The district is currently facing a $60 million budget shortfall driven by declining enrollment, underfunded mandates, one increase in state funding since 2019, providing yearly salary increases to remain competitive with the market, and a previously failed tax ratification election.

To study potential solutions, Garland ISD convened a 60-member Steering Committee in May 2025. The group was composed of residents, community leaders, parents, students, and district staff representing the district’s three cities: Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse. Members reviewed the district’s financial outlook, funding gaps, assessed the resources required for programs, and developed a recommendation for the Board of Trustees. The committee ultimately advised calling for a $0.12 Voter Approval Tax Rate Election to support the M&O budget.

Proposition A allows the community to vote on the tax rate for Garland ISD. If passed, it would enable the district to access additional state and local revenue.

If approved, Proposition A would address four key priorities:

• Teacher and Staff Retention
• Student Programming
• Special Education
• Safety and Security

This spring, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2 (HB2), which provides an additional $55 per student and pay increases for teachers with three or more years of experience. In Garland ISD, approximately 25% of early-career teachers (0–2 years) would not receive a raise under HB2. Proposition A would provide pay increases for the district’s remaining 4,500 support staff and new teachers not covered by HB2.

“The Board’s role is to provide transparency and give our voters the information to make an informed decision. Placing Proposition A on the ballot allows our community to determine the best way to support the district’s ongoing operations,” said Garland ISD Board of Trustees President Johnny Beach.

If approved, the estimated average monthly cost for a $400,000 home would be $3.77. This figure includes the voter approval of the additional $40,000 homestead exemption in November. Combined with the current $100,000 exemption, these measures would lower school property taxes for qualifying homeowners.

In 2025, the Texas Legislature also passed property tax relief measures for homeowners age 65 and older. If approved by voters in November, eligible individuals could receive a total school tax exemption of up to $200,000, combining the $140,000 general exemption and the $60,000 exemption for those age 65 or older or 100% disabled veterans. The existing school district tax freeze for seniors remains in place, ensuring that school district taxes on a qualifying home will not increase unless major home improvements are made.

Because property taxes for seniors are already capped, this combined exemption could eliminate school district property taxes for some senior homeowners. Depending on tax rates, property value changes, and exemptions, some senior property owners may see no increase, or no payment at all, for school district taxes.

More information about Proposition A is available at www.GarlandISD.net/PropA.