What will the November 7 Forney ISD School Funding Referendum do for our students, teachers, and taxpayers?

“It’s important that Forney ISD constantly plans for the future, especially given that our student population is expected to grow at a rate of 1,500 new students per year for the next ten years. Our unprecedented growth – and our commitment to the success of the Forney Family – is why our School Board voted to place a School Funding Referendum or Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) on the November ballot.

The state of Texas had a $33 billion surplus of funds this year. However, the Legislature did not increase the basic per student allotment, which has not increased since 2019. Instead, a portion of the excess funds were used to buy down the tax rate. Therefore, our board saw this as a unique opportunity to keep tax dollars local while still lowering the tax rate.

With voter approval, this referendum will keep our property tax rate 6.5¢ lower than last year and 25¢ lower than five years ago due to a series of tax cuts while providing funding for competitive teacher and staff salaries, armed police officers on every campus, maintaining or lowering class sizes, and continuing to add programs – including more job training and college preparation opportunities.

Thanks to the passing of the last two bond referendums by voters in 2019 and 2022 we have – or will have in the next few years – the facilities in place to meet the needs of our growing Forney Family. But bond money, per state law, is not allowed to be used for expenses like teacher salaries, armed police officers, and expanded academic programs. Those expenses come out of a separate operating budget, and to add funds to it requires voter approval through a VATRE or School Funding Referendum.

More than 600 school districts in Texas have already passed a VATRE and are receiving additional dollars per student above the state allotment. These are districts we are competing with for quality teachers and armed police officers, and that our students compete with in the academic (college and career), athletic, and fine arts areas.

Please take a moment to become an informed voter by reviewing additional facts and information on this website. I look forward to seeing you at the polls this November.”

Dr. Justin Terry
Forney ISD Superintendent