Georgetown ISD is weighing a voter-approved tax-rate election that district leaders say could bring in about $8.4 million, most of it aimed at boosting teacher and staff pay while shoring up everyday operations. District officials estimate the typical homeowner would pay roughly $7.92 more per year, and Superintendent Devin Padavil says that extra revenue could translate to around $2,000 raises for many teachers and up to $2,500 for more experienced staff. Trustees have until Aug. 17 to decide whether to put the measure on the November ballot.
What officials are proposing
As reported by KEYE, Padavil said the district is "formulating a Tax Rate Election" to give Georgetown ISD more financial flexibility, and that "the majority, if not all of it, would go to compensation for teachers and staff." According to the station, a district survey found about 58% support for the idea, and the district estimates the typical Georgetown homeowner would see an annual tax increase of $7.92 if voters approve. KEYE also reports that district calculations peg the potential new revenue at roughly $8.4 million and quotes Padavil on the possibility of $2,000 raises for many teachers and higher bumps for experienced staff.
Board adopted a balanced budget, but officials say it is not enough
The board unanimously adopted a balanced budget in mid June, yet district leaders have been clear that those numbers do not resolve longer term pressure on pay, according to the district's news release. The district's June announcement highlights targeted compensation adjustments and nearly $2 million set aside to absorb rising health insurance costs, while emphasizing that a tax ratification election remains one option to secure ongoing raises. Georgetown ISD notes that trustees have not yet called an election and plan to conduct community polling before deciding how to proceed.
How much a VATRE could raise and where it might go
District projections vary depending on how high trustees set the rate. Board materials reviewed by Community Impact show that a 7 cent increase to the maintenance and operations rate is estimated to generate about $6.4 million. In that scenario, a compensation amendment is pegged at roughly $4.68 million. Community Impact also reports that the district is modeling a combined tax rate near $1.0906 and has signaled that raises would be made retroactive if voters approve a VATRE. The outlet adds that Georgetown ISD plans phone and text polling over the summer to gauge support before trustees must make a call.
Why state rules matter
School funding in Texas is heavily influenced by state rules on tax rate compression and recapture that limit how much local money districts actually keep. The Texas Education Agency outlines how maximum compressed rates are calculated and why portions of locally collected revenue are sent back to the state. Georgetown ISD's own budget FAQ flags recapture as a major pressure point, with the district projecting that roughly $18.35 million will be returned to the state in 2025–26. District officials say that context is a key part of their decision to look at raising local revenue.
Timeline and what comes next
Trustees have until Aug. 17 to call a VATRE and place the question on the November ballot. District leaders say they will release more financial analysis and continue community outreach before making that decision. As KEYE reports, Padavil has warned that if voters reject a tax-rate election, deeper cuts would be needed that could affect student programs and services. For now, the board has adopted a budget that treats a VATRE as a potential path forward, while stopping short of actually calling the election.
Legal notes for voters
Any VATRE requires the district to publish the maximum tax rate it may consider and to follow state notice and election procedures, according to guidance from the Texas Education Agency. The board can publicly set a higher ceiling rate, then choose a lower final rate after public feedback and polling if trustees decide that is the right move.
