Did You Know? - VATRE
At Rockport-Fulton ISD, we know that families are a child’s first and most important teachers. The partnership between home and school is what makes learning truly powerful. When parents and schools walk side by side, students not only achieve more academically, they also grow in confidence, resilience, and character.
This page is meant to be a place where you can see how we are working together, stay connected to your child’s school, and find ways to be part of shaping Pirate Nation. Your voice matters here, and we are grateful for the many ways you support our students every single day.
What is a VATRE?
A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) gives school districts the opportunity to seek voter approval to access additional funding for day-to-day operations such as teacher salaries, academic programs, classroom materials, and facility maintenance. In the November 4 election, Rockport-Fulton ISD is asking voters to approve two “golden pennies.”
If approved, the RFISD VATRE would generate approximately $960,000 in additional annual funding for the district. Most importantly, this new revenue is not subject to recapture, meaning 100% of the funds will stay in Rockport-Fulton ISD to support local students and schools.
Understanding RFISD’s Tax Rate
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, RFISD’s tax rate was set at $0.6769 for Maintenance & Operations (M&O) and $0.1043 for Interest & Sinking (I&S), for a combined total of $0.7812. If voters approve the VATRE, the 2025-2026 tax rate would shift to $0.6969 for M&O and $0.0900 for I&S, for a combined total of $0.7869.
For 2025-2026 fiscal year, RFISD approved an I&S rate of $0.9000 after paying off debts early, saving local taxpayers money. The Aransas County Tax Assessor’s highest allowable I&S tax rate is $0.0910, while the RFISD Board of Trustees approved a lower rate of $0.0900.
What is M&O and I&S?
Maintenance & Operations (M&O) funds the day-to-day costs of running schools. This includes teacher and staff salaries, classroom supplies, utilities, transportation, and general upkeep of district facilities. The M&O rate is largely determined by state funding formulas and local tax collections, ensuring that schools have the resources needed to operate effectively.
Interest & Sinking (I&S) is used exclusively to pay off debt from voter-approved bonds like the RFISD 2022 Bond. Bonds fund major projects like building new schools, renovating facilities, plus HVAC and technology. The I&S rate cannot be used for salaries or daily operations—it is strictly for repaying debt on these long-term investments in the district.
