The Leander ISD Board of Trustees voted Aug. 17 to call a School Funding Election — formally known as a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) — for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

The election asks voters to consider adding three pennies to the district’s Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate, which funds day-to-day operations, including staff pay, programs and student services. If approved, the additional pennies would provide Leander ISD with approximately $6.7 million in additional revenue after state recapture.

“We’ve cut costs. We’ve made hard decisions. And we’re still facing a financial challenge,” Board President Anna Smith said. “As Leander ISD prioritizes student and staff experience, sustainability and stewardship, the VATRE gives us the opportunity to strengthen our financial position without relying on deeper cuts that ultimately impact our students and our classrooms.”

The additional funding would help close part of the district’s ongoing budget gap, reduce the need for future cuts and provide greater flexibility to address ongoing operating needs. If approved, this would also create an opportunity for the district to provide employees with a one-time retention bonus in December 2026.

What Led to the School Funding Election?

Leander ISD has made approximately $26 million in budget reductions over the past two years as the district works to address ongoing financial pressures. Those reductions have included changes to central office and campus staffing, adjustments to programs and services, and the consolidation of an elementary school. 

Despite those reductions, projections show the district continues to face a budget deficit in the years ahead.

Financial pressures include funding that has not kept pace with district costs, rising operating expenses and slower enrollment growth. Examples include:

  • Special Education: An approximately $21.2 million gap between state funding and LISD’s projected 2025-26 expenses.
  • Safety & Security: An approximately $2.8 million gap between state funding and LISD’s projected 2025-26 expenses as LISD meets state requirements for an armed presence at every campus through the implementation of its own police department.
  • Temporary federal funding: Positions previously supported by temporary federal pandemic-relief funding continue to be needed, shifting those costs to LISD’s ongoing operating budget.

If approved, the School Funding Election would strengthen the district’s financial position and help minimize the need for additional reductions. Regardless of the election outcome, Leander ISD will remain committed to evaluating opportunities to increase revenue, improve efficiency and control expenses.

What Would it Mean for Taxpayers?

If passed, the School Funding Election would increase the M&O portion of the district’s tax rate by 3 cents, resulting in a total 2026-27 Leander ISD tax rate of $1.1169 per $100 of taxable value. The district’s Interest and Sinking, or I&S, tax rate would remain unchanged at $0.33.

For a home with LISD’s 2026 average taxable value of $460,292, the passing of the School Funding Election would result in an estimated annual district tax bill of $5,141. Compared to last year, the average homeowner would pay $27.56 more per year or $2.30 per month. 

If the election does not pass, the 2026-27 tax rate would return to $1.0869.

Note for homeowners age 65 or older: Qualifying homeowners have a school property tax ceiling, meaning the School Funding Election would not increase district taxes on their homestead.

Election Information

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Additional information about voter registration, early voting, polling locations, official ballot language, and frequently asked questions will be added to an election website as it becomes available.

Leander ISD will continue providing factual information and resources about the School Funding Election to help voters understand what is being presented on the ballot.