By N. Bradford
A possible tax ratification election in Pearland ISD is the topic of two community meetings called this month by district administrators.
Facing a budget deficit and long list of needs plus inflation, Pearland ISD leaders this year are considering a VATRE, or Voter Approval Tax Rate Election.
The school district in adopted a budget for the coming fiscal year with a tax rate won’t be determined until August. State law requires school districts get voter approval if they opt to raise their maintenance and operations tax rate above a maximum specified amount.
“A proposed VATRE is one way to help us continue to fund student programs, cover increasing maintenance and operation costs and allow us to recruit and retain quality employees,” Superintendent Larry Berger said in a statement announcing the meetings, the first of which was scheduled Tuesday.
Tuesday was the first of two community meetings about a possible Voter Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE.
A second meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Virgil Gant Education Center, 1928 N. Main St. From 6 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to hear more about the proposed election and ask questions.
Input heard during the public meetings will be considered when the school board discusses proposing the election this November. That discussion will be held at the board’s Aug. 21 regular meeting.
