Submitted press release by Rockwall ISD
ROCKWALL, TX (Sept. 10, 2025) Rockwall ISD is one of only four school districts in the region and is the only school district in House District 33 without a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election, or VATRE. Despite historical conservative spending and fiscal responsibility, Rockwall ISD is not keeping pace with other area school districts on teacher and staff compensation.
The VATRE will determine whether the district can access more than $16.5 million in new funding every year for staff compensation, student programs, and underfunded special education and school safety. The November VATRE will be known as Proposition A on the November 4 ballot.
What is a VATRE?
A Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election, or VATRE, is a local finance election that allows the community to decide if the school district can access additional pennies on the Maintenance & Operations tax rate.
These funds would be used to help cover daily operations like teacher and staff salaries, school safety, special education and student programs.
Rockwall ISD is one of only four districts in the area that does not access VATRE funds currently.
VATRE Funds Would Help with Teacher Pay
The Nov. 4 election relies on local decision-making so voters can decide if they will allow Rockwall ISD to access additional local funding to help address teacher and staff pay, especially for veteran teachers.
The net change in the overall tax rate from last year would be 4 cents, costing the average taxpayer about $13 per month. Seniors 65 years and older have their taxes frozen if they apply for the homestead exemption and don’t make improvements to their primary residence.
The local VATRE funds — about $16.5 million per year — would be allocated as follows:
➜ 64% for pay for all employees, with an emphasis on veteran teacher pay
➜ 24% for underfunded special education and other student needs
➜ 12% for underfunded school safety
VATRE Will Not Create School Debt
Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE, or Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election, does NOT create new debt for Rockwall ISD.
If approved, the local funding will stay in Rockwall ISD and will be available every year to support priorities like staff salaries, special education, student programs and campus safety.
Voting Information
The deadline to register to vote for the November general election is Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Early Voting is Oct. 20-31 and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Submitted press release, Rockwall ISD, Communications.
What is VATRE? Understanding Rockwall ISD’s Nov. 4 Election Measure added by Editor on
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