Remind staff to vote!  Tomorrow is Election Day and is the prevailing news across the state. The major issue, of course, is the 11 constitutional amendments; most communities are reporting low turnout.  However, those  where school districts are proposing Bonds,  Tax Ratification Elections or heated school board elections the reports show much higher participation.

TRE history shows a declining trend in public support for ratifying higher tax rates that exceed the rollback rate.  This year may turn that trend around. 

History of Tax Rates ratified by voters:

2006 – 93%     

2007 – 78%

2008 – 60%

Totals since HB1 was passed in 2006 reflect that 73% of the tax rates have been ratified by voters.

There are 38 districts having Tax Ratifications for the 2009 tax year.  Since these elections are not required to be held on the General Election Day, nine (9) districts have already conducted elections; 6 (66%) of those were ratified.  Twenty–eight (28) districts will hold Tax Ratification Elections tomorrow and one district will hold its election in December.

Additionally, 30 districts will hold bond referendums tomorrow as well.  One district, Zavalla ISD in Angelina County, is deciding both a bond and a TRE tomorrow.

The complete list for TREs and Bonds is posted on The Lone Finalist.  We are preparing to tabulate and report the election results as the polls close tomorrow.   Lists will be updated as we get results.