Georgetown ISD voters will decide November 3 whether to approve a proposed property tax rate increase that the district estimates would generate $8.4 million annually for teacher and staff pay raises.
Proposition A, also known as a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, would set the district’s total tax rate at $1.1106 per $100 of taxable property value, up 6 cents from last year’s rate of $1.0506.
What would the tax increase mean?
The proposed rate includes a 9-cent increase in the maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate, which funds daily expenses such as salaries, utilities and supplies. The interest and sinking portion, which pays the district’s bond debt, would decrease by 3 cents, resulting in a net 6-cent increase in the total rate.
According to GISD, the additional revenue retained by the district would total an estimated $8.4 million annually after state recapture. The ballot language cites approximately $17.5 million in additional maintenance and operations tax revenue before that adjustment.
For a home with a taxable value of $304,465 — the median GISD value in 2026 — the six-cent increase would generate an extra $182 for the district compared to last year’s tax rate. However, because the median taxable value across the district dropped by about $16,600 in 2026 compared to 2025, according to GISD, district tax bills would only go up by an average of $7.92 year-over-year.
The actual impact on individual taxpayers would vary based on taxable property values and applicable exemptions.
Why is GISD seeking more funding?
District officials have said that, despite cutting expenses by more than $8 million over the past two years, state public school funding has not kept pace with inflation and rising employee health insurance costs. GISD adopted a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, but the budget did not include the additional compensation increases the district wants to provide employees.
In presentations leading up to the election, district officials warned that without additional revenue, the district could consider further budget cuts, including larger class sizes, staff reductions and changes to student programs.
How would the money be used?
GISD estimates Proposition A would provide recurring funding for employee compensation and other operating expenses.If voters approve the measure, the district plans to provide:
District officials have said the funding would help the district recruit and retain employees while maintaining student programs and instructional support.
If voters reject Proposition A, the district’s total tax rate would return to $1.0506 per $100 of taxable value.