NOVEMBER 3, 2026 · PROTECT OUR kids
vote yes for lcisd!
A Yes vote for Prop A helps keep Lubbock-Cooper classrooms strong, supporting the teachers, staff, and resources our students rely on, while unlocking state funding LCISD can't access without it.
why this vote matters
A Yes vote brings more funding home to LCISD
Texas school funding includes a matching program. When voters approve additional local revenue, the state matches a portion of it. The Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election, or VATRE, makes that option available to LCISD.
A Yes vote raises approximately $1.61 million locally, matched by $2.24 million in state funding, for $3.85 million in new funding for classrooms and day-to-day operations.
Without voter approval, that $2.24 million state match simply goes unclaimed.
$3.85M
additional state funding
About $1.61M in additional local tax revenue plus $2.24M in additional state funding for LCISD.
~$5.50
average tax increase per month
Based on the LCISD average home value.
3
golden pennies
Three additional Golden Pennies accessed through the VATRE.
what this means for your household
About $5 a month for the average home
This is a tax increase.
For the average LCISD home, the estimated impact is approximately $5.50 a month, or about $65.60 a year. This estimate is based on the LCISD average home value of $358,669 after the $140,000 homestead exemption.
Your actual impact will vary based on your home's taxable value and any applicable exemptions.
responsible stewardship
LCISD is making every dollar count
LCISD has already taken steps to reduce spending, find efficiencies, and minimize the impact of rising costs on students and families. But those efforts can't keep pace with rising operating costs indefinitely.
The goal has been simple: manage costs while keeping the focus on students. The VATRE would help provide the additional funding schools need to keep moving forward.
why now
Costs are rising faster than funding
LCISD's day-to-day operating costs — including utilities, insurance, transportation, and contracted services — have increased approximately 51% over the past five years. State funding hasn't kept pace with the cost of operating our schools.
faq
quick answers
The Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election, or VATRE, is a November 2026 ballot question asking Lubbock-Cooper voters to approve additional funding for school operations. This is not a bond.
The VATRE is a tax rate increase. For the average LCISD home, the estimated impact is approximately $5.50/month or about $65.60/year. For homeowners 65+ or disabled, voting YES will not increase school property taxes that are frozen at a maximum amount.
A Yes vote would provide approximately $3.85 million in additional funding for LCISD, helping support classrooms, staffing, safety, and core school operations.
Maintenance & Operations, or M&O, covers the everyday costs of running schools, including teachers, buses, utilities, and other essential operations.
Golden Pennies are a Texas school funding mechanism that lets districts raise tax revenue for M&O. For each additional penny of tax rate voters approve, the district keeps 100% of the local revenue raised, and the state adds matching funds on top. LCISD is asking to access three of these pennies.
LCISD's operating costs have increased while state funding has not kept pace with the cost of running schools. M&O operating costs are up approximately 51% over the past five years.
LCISD has reduced non-student travel and discretionary spending, conducted a staffing study, made high school schedule adjustments, and considered additional operational changes.
Without the additional funding, LCISD would have fewer resources available to manage rising costs and could face greater challenges maintaining staffing, programs, and other resources that support student success.