Spring ISD Tax Proposal Fails, Leaving District With $33.1 Million Deficit

Spring ISD voters rejected Proposition A in the Nov. 3 general election, keeping the district's property tax rate at $1.1069 per $100 of home value. Unofficial results indicate that 54.95% of voters cast ballots against the measure. The district had proposed a two-cent increase to $1.1569 per $100 to generate additional local revenue.

The Spring ISD Board of Trustees called the voter-approval tax rate election in August. The proposal aimed to raise $5.6 million in local funds and unlock $9.9 million in matching state aid. District officials stated the revenue would cover operational costs, staff compensation, and essential student programs. The funding was restricted to maintenance and operations, such as teacher salaries, utilities, and transportation, and was not allocated for capital improvements or the existing bond program.

Under the proposed rate, the average homeowner with a homestead exemption on a property valued at $248,315 would have paid approximately $22 more per year. The district noted that voters previously approved an $850 million bond in 2022 for capital projects. The tax rate remains lower than the previous year's rate of $1.1369 per $100.

The rejection leaves the district with a projected deficit of about $33.1 million, according to communications director Fabiola San Roman. The $15.5 million in additional revenue that failed to pass is a key component of this shortfall. The district has already taken steps to address the gap, including the closure of two schools this year.

Superintendent Kregg Cuellar stated in a release that he remains optimistic, noting that 45% of voters supported the proposition. "The fact that 45% of voters supported Proposition A tells me that we are moving in the right direction, but we also recognize that earning and maintaining our community's trust is an ongoing responsibility," Cuellar said. The district leadership affirmed its commitment to students despite the outcome.

District officials plan to focus on gathering community feedback and strengthening relationships with families in the coming weeks. The Board of Trustees is scheduled to convene on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Gordon M. Anderson Leadership Center. Unofficial results will remain final until the canvassing process is complete.