CFISD Prop A VATRE 2026: What the 12-Cent Tax Rate Election Means for Homeowners

Reviewed November 4, 2026.

November 4 update: CFISD reports that voters rejected all five propositions. This article explains the proposal for reference. Proposed rates and costs below are not the adopted post-election bill. See our CFISD election results and next steps.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD's Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. It asks voters to ratify a 12-cent increase in the district's maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate, from $0.6669 to $0.7869 per $100 of taxable value. The district says that would generate about $103.6 million a year ($83.4 million local plus about $20.2 million in state-guaranteed funds) for classroom instruction, staffing, transportation and student programs.

This post explains what was proposed and how the rate calculations differed. It doesn't take a position on how to vote.

What is CFISD Proposition A?

According to the CFISD election site, Prop A uses the state's tax-rate approval process to raise the local operations rate and unlock state-guaranteed classroom funds. The ballot language begins with "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" and states that ratifying a total rate of $1.1569 would raise M&O tax revenue by 23 percent, an additional $102,350,532 for the current year.

Prop A is separate from bond Propositions B–E on the same ballot (about $1.636 billion for facilities, technology, athletics and pools).

What is a VATRE in Texas?

A VATRE is required when a school district wants an M&O rate above the level state law allows without voter approval (Tax Code §26.08). M&O money pays day-to-day costs. Bond elections authorize borrowing for capital projects repaid through the interest and sinking (I&S) rate.

• A VATRE changes the M&O rate for operations.
• A bond authorizes debt for buildings and major projects. I&S revenue cannot be used for teacher salaries.

How would Prop A affect my property tax bill?

CFISD's tax impact page projects:

• M&O rate (Prop A): +$0.12
• I&S debt rate (if Props B–E pass): about −$0.03
• Expected net rate impact: +$0.09 per $100 of taxable value
• Total proposed rate: $1.1569 per $100

Its sample homestead at a $350,000 appraised value applies the district's 20% local optional homestead exemption and the state's $140,000 school homestead exemption, leaving $140,000 taxable. At a net +9 cents, that sample shows about $126 a year ($10.50 a month) versus the 2025-26 school tax rate.

To isolate the 12-cent M&O change alone:

(Your school taxable value ÷ 100) × $0.12 = added M&O cost from Prop A

Hypothetical example: on $200,000 of school taxable value, 2,000 × $0.12 = $240 a year compared with the lower M&O rate if Prop A fails.

Your school taxable value is your appraised value minus exemptions. Check your record with the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD).

What if I'm 65 or older or disabled?

CFISD says homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability, and have filed their homestead exemption generally have a school tax ceiling. Passing these propositions is not expected to raise school taxes above that ceiling unless major structural additions are made to the home.

What if Prop A fails?

If voters reject Prop A, Tax Code §26.08 limits the district to its voter-approval rate. If tax bills were already mailed at the higher rate, the assessor must mail corrected bills, the delinquency date can move, and overpayments of $1 or more must be refunded. See our guide: What happens if a Texas tax rate election fails.

When is the CFISD election?

• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CFISD is in Harris County. Voting has ended. Check CFISD’s announcement and the county election authority for results, then confirm the board’s adopted rate.

What can I control on my tax bill?

Voters decide the rate question. Separately, every owner can protest the appraised value and make sure exemptions are applied. The 2027 protest deadline is generally Monday, May 17, 2027 (May 15 falls on a Saturday), or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later. See our Harris County protest guide, our Houston property tax protest guide, and how a Texas property tax consultant works. You can file yourself, or protest with TaxDrop.

Sources: CFISD Proposition A VATRE; CFISD Financial Tax & Impact; CFISD VATRE & Bond Election; Texas Tax Code §26.08; Harris County Appraisal District.