PROTECTING OUR TEACHERS AND CLASSROOMS
Two Propositions. One Important Decision for EMS ISD.
On November 3, EMS ISD voters will consider a VATRE and a school bus bond aimed at addressing the district’s operating budget. The VATRE is projected to generate approximately $6.1 million annually, while the bus bond would preserve approximately $3 million each year in operating funds by shifting bus purchases to the district’s I&S fund. Under the district’s current compensation plan, approval of both propositions would also trigger an additional 1% employee salary increase, bringing the total 2026–27 increase to 2%.
WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR EMS ISD
EMS ISD is facing a $13.5 million budget deficit
Inflation and limited increases in state funding have created ongoing pressure on the district's operating budget.
The school bus bond would preserve approximately $3 million per year in the operating budget.
Instead of paying for buses from M&O, the district could finance them through I&S. It does not create $3 million in new revenue. It preserves operating capacity.
The VATRE would generate approximately $6.1 million in additional annual operating revenue.
The proposal adds four pennies to the M&O tax rate. Those funds may be used for staffing, student programs and other day-to-day operating expenses.
Both propositions affect the district's staffing and compensation plan.
The district projects additional position cuts if both propositions fail. If both are approved, the district's current compensation plan calls for an additional 1% salary increase, bringing the total 2026-27 increase to 2%.
What Voting Yes Will Do
Voting Yes Will
Voting Information
The 2026 election calendar
October 5, 2026 (Monday)
Last day to register to vote (registration, or an update to an existing registration, must be completed 30 days before Election Day).
October 19, 2026 (Monday)
Early voting begins; in-person early voting opens. A registered voter may vote early at any early-voting location in the county.
October 30, 2026 (Friday)
Early voting ends, which is the final day of the early-voting period.
November 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
Election Day, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and a voter in line by 7 p.m. is entitled to vote.
On the ballot
Your ballot will contain two propositions for EMS ISD. Voters have the opportunity to vote on both propositions and do not have to choose between the two.
Early voting runs October 19–30 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Voting Resources:
