Voters in Abilene Independent School District approved the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election on Tuesday, providing the district with an additional $10+ million annually to recruit and retain more great teachers and staff, offer improved learning environments and resources for students, and eliminate the district’s current operating deficit.That amount includes $3.7 million in local funding and $6.3 million in state funding that is made available to AISD every year.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this important election for the future of Abilene ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn. “We appreciate our voters for choosing to support our students, staff, and schools. The trust of our community is a precious resource, and we look forward to holding up our end of the deal by ensuring that Abilene ISD continues to capitalize on our positive academic and financial momentum.”
The unofficial total vote count in Taylor County was 4,137 FOR the VATRE and 3,441 AGAINST the VATRE. In Jones County, the unofficial vote count was 32 FOR the VATRE and 51 AGAINST the VATRE.
The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees will canvass the votes later this month.
Voters across Texas also approved a Constitutional Amendment increasing the Homestead Exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
Because the VATRE was approved, the AISD tax rate will remain at $0.9580 per $100 valuation as approved by the Board of Trustees in August.
To view current results of the November 4 joint Constitutional Amendment election in Taylor County, visit the Taylor County election website.