Proposition B on the Nov. 8 ballot has generated a lot of conversation and interest in our community about its impact on school funding, employee compensation, class sizes, and the LISD tax rate. Below are answers to some of the questions we continue to hear most frequently about Proposition B. For a more comprehensive list of questions about Propositions A and B, visit the Elections page.
If Proposition B is approved, how will it affect the funding of LISD schools?
The passage of Prop B would provide an additional $32.47 million for education in Leander ISD. This revenue would help recruit and retain teachers and provide funding for the compensation plan that the Board of Trustees approved in May. The revenue would help protect against future budget cuts that could leave fewer teachers employed in the district and reduce the availability of academic programs.
Why does the ballot language say that Proposition B would raise $99 million more in revenue for the school district?
The revenue increase that is referenced in the state-required ballot language reflects gross tax collections over the prior year. It does not consider Robin Hood recapture or the amount of state funding that Leander ISD is losing. The additional net tax collections with the passage of Proposition B would total $32.47 million.
If voters approve Proposition B, will the tax rate be higher or lower than last year’s?
The Leander ISD total tax rate will be lower than last year’s, regardless of whether Proposition B passes or fails. If voters approve Proposition , the tax rate will be $1.2746 per $100 property valuation. This is 6.24 cents lower than last year’s rate. If voters defeat Proposition B, the tax rate will be $1.1846.
How will Proposition B affect tax payments on my home?
The average home in Leander ISD has an assessed/market value of $694,944 and a taxable value of $423,031. If voters approve Prop B, the average tax bill due on this home will increase $38 per month over last year. If voters defeat Prop B, the average tax bill due on this home will increase $6 per month over last year. Tax payments are increasing for most homeowners due to sizable increases in property appraisals across the Central Texas region.
If Proposition B fails, how will Leander ISD make up for the loss in funding?
If Proposition B does not pass, the district will lose out on any additional revenue and could be left with a budget deficit of nearly $35 million for the 2022–23 school year. While the district’s fund balance would cover the costs for 2022-23, the school district would need to make spending cuts that could result in fewer teachers working in the district next year. LISD would also consider restructuring or eliminating certain programs that LISD students and families have come to expect.
