Did you know Forney ISD is growing by more than 1,500 students each year? That makes us one of the fasting growing school districts in Texas. To manage this unprecedented growth our Board of Trustees voted to place a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE), also known as a School Funding Referendum, on the November ballot.

Like we always do when putting a proposal before taxpayers the leaders of Forney ISD sought the input of our community – the School Funding Referendum is no different.

Our Administrators and Trustees worked closely with parents, grandparents, business leaders, and taxpayers to help find responsible ways to ensure we have the funds needed to maintain our academic, fine arts, athletic, and Career & Technical Education programs while keeping class sizes small and our students and teachers safe.

While our local State Representative is working hard for our students and teachers, the legislature as a whole has not increased the basic allotment for students since 2019 but continues to increase the burden of unfunded mandates on public schools and local taxpayers.

However, they are allowing voters the opportunity to recoup the lost classroom, safety, teacher, and student funding with local School Funding Referendums.

With voter approval of the Referendum our tax rate will remain 6.5¢ lower than last year and 25¢ lower than five years ago due to a series of tax cuts approved by our District leaders.

The Referendum will fund the following:

• Provide $3,600 stipends for teachers and staff during the 2023-2024 school year

• Provide armed police officers at every campus

• Provide teacher salaries needed to keep and attract experienced educators now and in the future

• Maintain small class sizes as we continue to grow

• Sustain and expand programs, such as academic, fine art, athletic, extra and cocurricular, career and college, and community opportunities

Click HERE for more information