FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026
Bryan, TX (August 2026) – The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved an order calling a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The VATRE will ask voters to consider a 2-cent tax increase to the district’s Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate from $0.6769 to $0.6968. If approved by voters, the VATRE would generate an estimated $5.5 million in annual, recurring funding for Bryan ISD, not subject to recapture. The additional revenue would remain in the district for use on locally identified priorities. The decision to place the measure on the ballot follows the community-based strategic planning committee’s initial review and discussion dating back to 2024. Most recently, a committee composed of families, community members, staff, and students, reconvened in March of 2026 to continue the discussion on options to generate additional revenue for the district. Bryan ISD administration updated the Board of Trustees throughout the process, reporting on the discussion of a VATRE.
At the July 20, 2026, school board meeting, parents representing the committee, expressed that, should voters approve, the additional $5.5 million be dedicated to district priorities such as staff compensation, student programs, and safety and security.
Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Joel Bryan stated, “I am grateful to the parents, staff, students, and community members who have invested their time in helping define the direction and priorities of our district. As a Board, our commitment is to provide clear and transparent information related to the VATRE and its financial impact if approved by the voters.”
Learn more about the VATRE here.