Garland, TX – Garland ISD is not alone in facing ongoing financial challenges; school districts across the state are grappling with rising costs and funding cuts. Now, the Garland ISD community is considering the implications of Proposition A. With no increase in state funding since 2019 and rising expenses, many residents are evaluating this measure, which aims to enhance the district’s Maintenance and Operations (M&O) budget. As the board prepares to vote on the proposition, various obstacles remain on the path to financial stability for public school districts.
Proposition A specifically addresses the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) budget, which has not seen an increase in state funding in recent years. This stagnation is significant, particularly in light of rising costs. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), inflation has surged, with prices approximately 26% higher than they were in 2019. This means that a dollar today buys about 79% of what it could back then, putting immense financial pressure on school districts like Garland ISD. And, according to a recent survey from the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO), roughly 42% of Texas school districts reportedly ended the 2024 school year in a deficit. In that same survey, nearly 63% of school districts across the state expect to end the 2025 fiscal year in a budget deficit.
The M&O budget is distinct from the Interest and Sinking (I&S) budget, which is primarily used for paying off debts related to school facilities and infrastructure. While the I&S budget can be adjusted to meet the needs of the district, the M&O budget directly affects day-to-day operations, including teacher salaries, student programs, and essential services such as special education and campus safety.
In May 2025, Garland ISD formed a Steering Committee to evaluate the district’s financial outlook and explore solutions to its long-term needs. This committee conducted a review of key district priorities, assessed program funding and sustainability, and studied potential tax rate scenarios. The committee ultimately recommended that the Board of Trustees consider calling for a $0.12 Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).
On June 24, the Board heard the committee’s recommendation, with an anticipated discussion set for August 12 regarding the approval of the election. If approved, the VATRE will appear on the ballot as Proposition A.
The district has already made significant cuts across all departments, totaling $27 million this year alone. However, despite these reductions, Garland ISD continues to face financial strain due to several factors: no increase in state funding per student since 2019, rising inflation costs, declining student enrollment, and unfunded mandates for services like dyslexia and special education programming.
Moreover, a common misconception is that Garland ISD is “top-heavy.” Data from the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) reveals that the state average for central administration staffing is 1.2%, while Garland ISD operates at just 0.6%, significantly lower than the state average.
Compared to similar districts, Garland ISD operates with a lean administrative structure, with Central Administrators making up just 0.6% of staff serving 51,659 students. In contrast, Plano ISD has 1.2% of its staff as Administrators for over 49,000 students.
Proposition A is projected to generate $56 million annually to support critical district priorities, including teacher and staff retention, student programs, special education, and safety initiatives. Recent legislation has also increased homestead exemptions, further complicating the financial landscape. The general homestead exemption has risen from $100,000 to $140,000, and exemptions for seniors have been increased as well. These changes mean that although the estimated M&O tax rate would increase from $0.6669 to $0.7722, homeowners will not see a tax impact unless their home is valued at $400,000 or more.
As the community awaits the upcoming discussions and decisions regarding Proposition A, understanding the nuances surrounding the M&O budget, tax compression, and the financial pressures facing the district will be imperative for the future of our community’s public school system.
