Aug. 17, 2026 – The San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees tonight voted to place a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) and three bond propositions on the Nov. 3 ballot.
A VATRE is a way for Texas public school districts to generate additional revenue to pay for day-to-day operations through an increase in the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate.
A proposed 3.17-cent tax increase is currently estimated to generate $5.5 million in additional tax revenue. This new revenue will assist the district in funding three initiatives:
College and career-readiness, such as supporting Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, industry-based certifications, dual credit and early college opportunities, work-based learning, skilled trades pathways, middle school career exploration, and literacy and math initiatives.
Support for teacher pipeline initiatives, such as an Associates of Arts in Teaching pathway for high school students, and apprenticeship and community pathways for aspiring educators.
Compensation initiatives, such as a one-time supplement.
School bonds, on the other hand, are a financing tool that enables districts to invest in capital needs such as educational infrastructure, facility improvements, and modernization. The district repays the principal amount plus interest over a set period. Bonds cannot fund daily operating expenses.
A proposed $600 million bond package will have three propositions:
Proposition A concerns $492 million for school modernization, capital system replacements, and safety and security upgrades. This would include such capital improvements as renovations to learning environments; the replacement of chillers and boilers, plumbing and utilities, roofing and windows; and the addition of a bus fleet with three-point seat belts, a police fleet supporting campus safety and district patrol, strategic site lighting for after-hours campus safety, security fencing and vestibules, fire alarm systems and emergency indicators, and ADA access enhancements.
Proposition B concerns $102 million for information technology improvements, such as network infrastructure and teaching and learning devices.
Proposition C concerns $6 million for improvement of Alamo Stadium and Convocation Center.
If voters pass the four proposals, the impact to the average homeowner in SAISD would be an increase of $1.99 a month in 2026. In 2027, the impact is estimated to be an additional $1.26 for a total of $3.25 a month, which would incrementally go up to $5.76 a month by 2030.
However, SAISD property taxes for senior citizens would not be affected by any of the three proposals as long as a homestead exemption and Over-65 exemption application has been filed with the Bexar County Appraisal District, and they have owned the home as of Jan. 1, 2026.
SAISD will hold information sessions for the community prior to the November election.