The Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election for Nov. 3, 2026.
The vote follows a recommendation made by the district’s Budget Advisory Committee in April. Over a series of four meetings held from January to April, more than 30 Socorro ISD citizens and leaders gathered to evaluate the district's financial data, public school finance, and the district’s facilities assessment.
“On behalf of Socorro ISD, I want to express my appreciation to community members for their dedication and thoughtful discussions during this process,” Socorro ISD Superintendent James Vasquez said. “I also want to recognize the Board of Trustees for their leadership and service to our district. This proposal aligns with the district goals, student programs, and community priorities.”
Proposition A provides $49.2 million of new funding to Socorro ISD for the current fiscal year (and is expected to provide at least as much each year after) to support the district’s Maintenance & Operations (M&O) instructional budget. If approved by voters, Prop A would fund teacher and staff compensation, student programs, safety and security, technology, and HVAC and bus replacements.
Texas school districts have two budgets. The M&O budget pays for “People Costs,” or day-to-day expenses like salaries, benefits, student educational and extracurricular programs, supplies, maintenance, food, and fuel. The Interest & Sinking (I&S) pays down debt on bonds for renovations, construction, large repairs, maintenance, tax-qualified construction notes, and other projects in bond elections.
School districts don't have the same buying power that they did seven years ago. Operating costs have increased nearly 25% due to inflation, while the state has increased basic allotment funding by less than 1%. Proposition A provides the district with additional funding to help fill some of these gaps.
All funds generated from Proposition A would be used for daily operations such as salaries, classroom instruction, student services, and employee compensation. State law requires voter approval through a VATRE to raise this portion of the M&O rate.
The state has placed a number of unfunded mandates on school districts, including increased requirements for special education, mental health services, and safety and security. For instance, the state provides only $57 per student in Socorro ISD for safety and security funding, but the district's actual needs amount to $144 per student, meaning the district must come up with another $4 million annually for safety measures like armed officers at every campus.
Based on the average home value of $250,000 in Socorro ISD, homeowners would see a $10 per month tax increase with the passage of Prop A.
The estimated financial impact of the 2026 election includes the $140,000 standard Homestead Exemption and the $200,000 Over-65 Homestead Exemption approved by state voters in November 2025.
As of 2025, all VATRE propositions for any school district must have the phrase “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” on all ballot language.
There will not be an increase in taxes for homeowners who are senior citizens or disabled persons as a result of this proposal, provided they have applied for and received the Over 65 or Disabled Homestead Exemption with the appropriate appraisal district and have made no major improvements or additions to their residence. Check your most recent Notice of Assessed Value Change to see if you will be impacted, or go to https://epcad.org.
The district will begin providing the community with comprehensive voter education on all aspects of the 2026 election.
“Socorro ISD is committed to keeping this process open and clear, because we believe every voter deserves the facts to make an informed decision,” Vasquez said. “We'll be sharing information through mail, digital platforms, and social media so it reaches everyone.”
Factual information and voting locations will be available on the district website soon.
To register to vote or to find out your registration status, visit the El Paso County Elections Department website at epcountyvotes.com. The last day to register to vote in the November election is Monday, Oct. 5.
Early voting is Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.