BY JARRETT WHITENER
Boerne ISD calls VATRE to supplement sta salaries Boerne ISD trustees on Aug. 18 called a Vot- er-Approval Tax Rate Election, which will help generate additional revenue for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. Wes Scott, chief nancial and operations o cer, said these additional funds will be used to supple- ment salary increases for district sta as well as provide a funding mechanism for future capital improvements. Breaking it down The upcoming tax rate is planned to be $1.0109 per $100 valuation, which is a two-cent increase over the current district tax rate of $0.9909 per $100 valuation. While the ballot language must legally state that the new rate is an increase, data from the school district shows an average decrease in total school district taxes paid by property owners. According to the Aug. 18 news release, Boerne ISD is one of the lowest-funded school districts in Texas based on per-student state funding. Alongside being a low-funded school, the district ranks 15th out of 21 for starting teacher pay when comparing local ISDs. This rank drops to 16 at the 5-year mark and to 19 at the 10-year mark. Nearly one in ve Boerne ISD teachers left the district last year, many for higher-paying positions in nearby districts, according to the release. Looking ahead Early voting begins Oct. 20 , and continues through Oct. 31 . Election Day is Nov. 4 . The last day to register to vote in the election is Oct. 6 .
Cell phones banned at Boerne ISD schools At the start of the school year, districts across the state were required to implement a cell phone and electronic device ban. For Boerne ISD and other districts, this ban means students cannot use personal communication devices on school property. The details According to the approved policy, devices must be turned o and stored during normal school hours. Parents may reach students by contacting the front o ce. Students who violate this policy or any regulations shall be subject to discipline per the board-adopted Student Code of Conduct, and an authorized employee shall con scate the device. For students who need devices for speci c circumstances, the policy accommodates the following scenarios: • The student’s use is necessary for imple- mentation of the student’s individualized education program, a 504 plan, or a similar program or plan • The student’s use is required due to a documented need based on a directive from a quali ed physician • The student’s use is necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the district or campus safety protocols
"[The VATRE] is going to be very bene cial, and it is going to be an opportunity for our community to come together for our sta ." KRISTI SCHMIDT BOARD PRESIDENT
Boerne ISD historical tax rates
Year-over-year tax rates in Boerne ISD have decreased. While the VATRE is an increase, residents are expected to see lower tax bills.
$1.5
-25.34% decrease
$1
$0.5
$0
SOURCE: BOERNE ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Homestead exemptions increased for school taxes Following the 2025 state legislative session, the homestead exemption for school district taxes was increased, meaning a home’s taxable valuation will decrease. What you need to know property value, meaning taxes paid will be depen- dent on individual property appraisals. For those who are over the age of 65 or dis-
Residents
Residents over 65 or disabled
Increased exemption
$40K
$50K
Average taxes paid per property
abled, the average taxable value in FY 2025-26 is $428,000, resulting in an average bill of $4,246 . Homeowners over the age of 65 or disabled have the advantage of a frozen tax rate, meaning their rates cannot increase, even if the VATRE is approved.
$4.9K
$4.2K Average savings compared to FY 2024-25
For scal year 2025-26, the average taxable value on Boerne ISD residential properties is $488,000 . At the proposed VATRE rate, a property owner would pay $4,938 in annual taxes. These calculations use the average taxable
$80
$672
SOURCE: BOERNE ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BOERNE FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION
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