COCISD 2024 VATRE Brochure ORDER CALLING VATRE
NOTICE OF ELECTION NOTICE OF ELECTION (SPANISH) SAMPLE BALLOT
What is a VATRE?
VATRE stands for Voter Approval Tax Rate Election. A VATRE asks voters to approve a Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate to sustain competitive pay for staff, and maintain instructional and extracurricular opportunities and programs of choice.
The new tax rate would generate an estimated $1,185,726 in additional funds for COCISD students and teachers. If approved by voters, the total tax rate will still remain $0.14 below the $0.86 average tax rate of the last five years.
Why is COCISD seeking a VATRE?
1. Access to Additional State Funding
A VATRE would allow COCISD to receive additional revenue through state funding. This funding would supplement local revenue and help ensure the district can maintain its current level of services and programs for students.
2. Sustain Current Programs of Choice for Students
A VATRE would help the district maintain its current programs of choice, including academic courses, career and technical education pathways, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. These programs are intended to offer a range of opportunities for all students.
3. Competitive Teacher & Support Compensation
A VATRE would provide additional funding that could be used to maintain competitive salaries and benefits for teachers and support staff. Competitive compensation helps the district attract and retain qualified personnel.
How will this impact me?
If the VATRE passes, it will give COCISD Three Golden Pennies, bringing the M&O tax rate from $0.6975 to $0.7275. These three additional pennies are considered Golden because the state's contribution goes from 12% to 34% on these three pennies.
At age 65, property owners can file a 65+ exemption as part of their homestead that will freeze the amount in dollars they pay to the school district that year for all future years. You will never pay more in dollars to the school district, although you would pay a smaller amount if there were a tax compression.
VATRE Video Resources
Early Voting Schedule
Early voting begins Monday, October 21, 2024 and ends Friday, November 1, 2024.
Early voting will take place at the San Jacinto County Elections Administration Building located at 51 E Pine Ave. Coldspring, TX 77331.
| DATE | TIME |
|---|---|
| Mon., Oct. 21 - Fri., Oct. 25 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sat., Oct. 26 | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Sun., Oct. 27 | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Mon., Oct. 28 - Fri., Nov. 1 | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Election Day
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The chart below shows the Election Day Polling Locations.
Polling locations will be open from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
| Elections Administration | 51 E Pine Ave, Coldspring, TX 77331 |
| Shepherd Community Center | 10251 State Hwy 150, Shepherd, TX 77371 |
| Evergreen Community Center | 7550 State Hwy 150 W, Coldspring, TX 77331 |
| Bear Creek VFD | 11550 FM 1725, Cleveland, TX 77328 |
| Point Blank, Precinct 4 Annex | 221 Boat Launch Rd, Point Blank, TX 77364 |
| Oakhurst Fire Department | 990 US Hwy 190, Oakhurst, TX 77359 |
| New Hope Baptist Church | 13200 FM 2025, Cleveland, TX 77328 |
What will I see on the Ballot?
