Leander Independent School District is asking voters to authorize a three-cent property tax increase on the November 3 ballot.
In August, the LISD Board of Trustees voted to put the voter-approval tax rate election on the ballot.
If authorized, the total property tax rate would increase to $1.1169 per $100 taxable value.
With the increase, the average LISD tax bill will increase to $27.56 per year based on the average taxable value of $460,292.
Without the tax rate increase, the average LISD tax bill will decrease by $110.53 per year.
Authorization would result in a 3.72 percent increase in maintenance and operations tax revenue, approximately $6.7 million after state recapture.
Proceeds from property taxes go to maintenance and operations, which funds day-to-day expenses such as utilities, educational programming, classroom supplies, salaries, and fuel.
The projected 2026-27 budget deficit of $9.9 million would decrease to $3.2 million if voters approve the proposed tax increase.
According to a 2026 study, Texas ranked eighth-highest in the U.S. for property taxes, above California.
According to LISD, “Rising property values leads to an increase in the amount of tax revenue collected but this does not mean the school district sees an increase in revenue. There is a relationship between local and state funds where when local tax collections increase, state funds to a school district decrease.”
Facebook commenters expressed misgivings about LISD’s spending habits.
“Off the rails, out of control spending of LISD has earned it one of the most debt-ridden districts in all of Texas! Their current debt is $1.5 BILLION DOLLARS! And that is an average of $36,000 PER STUDENT!”
LISD’s total taxpayer-funded bond debt was $1,483,944,911 as of June 30, 2026.
Other commenters expressed concerns on Keeping LISD Strong’s Facebook page.
“Leander administration and board spend spend spend. Time to hold them accountable and make different moves besides begging for more taxes.”
LISD ranked number one for highest total CAB debt service outstanding as of fiscal year 2025.
“They are still paying for things on 30 year bonds that have long since been worn out and gone after 10 years!!!!! LISD spending is insane!” wrote another commenter.
The Keep LISD Strong PAC supports the VATRE. Its largest donor is Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., a planning and engineering service firm.
The VATRE will appear on the November 3 ballot, with early voting ongoing until Friday, October 30.
