Leander ISD Prop A VATRE 2026: What the 3-Cent Tax Rate Election Means for Homeowners

Last updated: Oct. 27, 2026

Leander ISD's Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. It asks voters to ratify a 3-cent increase in the district's maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate, for a total 2026-27 rate of $1.1169 per $100 of taxable value. The district estimates the average homeowner would pay $27.56 more per year than last year if it passes; if it fails, the rate would be $1.0869.

This post explains what's on the ballot and what it means for a property tax bill. It doesn't take a position on how to vote.

What is Leander ISD Proposition A?

On Aug. 17, 2026, the Leander ISD Board of Trustees adopted a total tax rate of $1.1169 per $100: $0.7869 for M&O and $0.3300 for interest and sinking (I&S, which pays debt). Because that rate is above the district's calculated voter-approval rate of $1.0869, state law (Tax Code §26.08) requires an election to ratify it. That election is Proposition A.

The ballot language begins with "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" and states the adopted rate would raise an additional $12,066,324 in 2026-27, about 3.72% more than the amount collected last year.

The district says about $5.36 million of that would go back to the state through recapture, leaving about $6.7 million in additional revenue for Leander ISD. KVUE reported that the district is projecting a deficit of nearly $10 million.

What is a VATRE in Texas?

A VATRE is an election a school district must hold when it wants an M&O tax rate above the level state law allows without voter approval. M&O money pays day-to-day costs like salaries, utilities, supplies and transportation.

• A VATRE changes the M&O rate. If voters approve, the higher M&O rate becomes the maximum the district can levy in later years, still subject to annual board approval.
• A bond election is different. It authorizes borrowing for buildings and major projects, repaid through the I&S rate. Leander ISD's I&S rate would stay at $0.33 under Prop A.

The district says the 3 cents in Prop A are "copper pennies," the type of M&O revenue subject to recapture. It previously accessed six of nine available copper pennies through a 2022 VATRE.

How would Prop A affect my property tax bill?

Leander ISD's estimate uses the district's 2026 average taxable home value of $460,292. If Prop A passes, the estimated district tax bill for that home would be $5,141, about $27.56 more per year (about $2.30 a month) than last year.

That figure compares this year's bill to last year's, so it reflects value changes too, not just the 3 cents. To isolate the 3-cent change alone, use this formula:

(Your taxable value ÷ 100) × $0.03 = added cost from Prop A

Hypothetical example: on $400,000 of school taxable value, 4,000 × $0.03 = $120 a year compared with the $1.0869 rate that would apply if Prop A fails.

Your school taxable value is your appraised value minus exemptions, including the state school homestead exemption. Check your record with the Travis Central Appraisal District or Williamson Central Appraisal District, depending on where you live.

What if I'm 65 or older or disabled?

Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability, and have that exemption on their homestead generally have a school tax ceiling. The district says Prop A would not increase district taxes on those homesteads. The ceiling can change if you make significant improvements, like an addition.

When is the Leander ISD election?

• Early voting: through Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Leander ISD sits in both Travis and Williamson counties. Check your county elections office for polling locations. We'll update this post with the result after Nov. 3.

What can I control on my tax bill?

Voters decide the rate question. Separately, every owner can protest the appraised value on their property 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 Williamson County protest guide or Travis County protest guide, and our list of the highest property tax rates in Texas.

Sources: Leander ISD Notice of Election (Williamson County); Leander ISD News: Board Calls Nov. 3 School Funding Election; Leander ISD Smart Money; KVUE (Oct. 27, 2026).