NISD to consider class size changes in 25-26 with unsuccessful VATRE

Preliminary results indicate voters did not approve Northwest ISD’s Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, which would have increased the maintenance and operations tax rate by 3 cents to maintain class sizes and student programs. As a result, Northwest ISD will begin budgeting for the 2025-2026 school year with plans for class size adjustments matching neighboring school districts.

According to preliminary result projections, a majority of voters cast ballots against the VATRE. With a $15.8 million deficit, district and school leaders will begin analyzing potential adjustments to balance the annual budget beginning in 2025-2026. A successful VATRE would have generated $16 million in new funding. Northwest ISD will now analyze increased class sizes as well as additional operations for further potential changes. Each potential change will be balanced as carefully as possible to maintain the high quality of instructional programs and services that families expect of Northwest ISD.

Prior to any campus-based cuts, Northwest ISD will meet with department leadership to make adjustments at the district level. The district will also partner with school leaders to create budget solutions at the campus level.

Dr. Mark Foust, superintendent of schools, said the outcome is not what Northwest ISD hoped for, but the district will continue to provide high-quality educational services.

“While we’re disappointed in the result, we understand that increases in any tax rate are challenging for taxpayers,” he said. “Northwest ISD will continue to engage our lawmakers in the hopes that they will stop withholding funding that benefits students and teachers. School districts are facing unprecedented choices that have a direct impact on the classroom, and it’s time for our state leaders to step up and do what’s right for the 5.5 million children in Texas public schools.”

Northwest ISD will continue to advocate for state lawmakers to adequately fund public schools and end underfunded mandates that require districts to spend money that should go to the classroom for state-required programs. As the legislative session begins in January 2025, Northwest ISD encourages residents to actively engage with their elected officials to advocate for adequate public school funding. Additional information will be provided in the coming months on ways to reach local lawmakers.

Votes will be canvassed at an upcoming school board meeting, finalizing the election outcome. As the district continues the financial planning process for the 2025-2026 school year, it will create various budget scenarios based on potential updates – or a lack of change – to public school funding.