LUMBERTON —Lumberton ISD’s Board of Trustees are panning to call a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), as the distruct is working to close its projected budget shortfall, while aiming to protect classrooms and invest in their employees. Because Texas law limits how much operating revenue school districts can generate without voter approval, a VATRE will allow voters to decide whether to provide additional funding for employee compensation and other operating needs. The options under consideration could generate approximately $2.62 million annually, with most of the funding coming from the state, according to a news release. Like many school districts throughout the state, Lumberton ISD is facing rising costs, declining enrollment and a state funding system that has not kept pace with the cost of educating students. These include the recent implemenation of the school voucher system throughout Texas. In 2025, the Texas Legislature approved Sentate Bill 2, which implemented the state’s first ever universal voucher program. It allows elligible students to use $10,330 in fiscal year 2027 for private school expenses. Homeschooled students will be eligible to receive approximately $2,000, and students with special education needs will get up to $30,000, according to Raise Your Hand Texas. When students are leaving to transfer to private schools or to be homeschooled under the program, it often leads to smaller public schools having a substantial decrease in state funding. Currently, the district has reduced expenses by leaving some vacant positions unfilled, taking advantage of lower insurance costs and reviewing transportation, maintenance and technology spending. These measures have nearly eliminated the projected deficit before employee raises are considered. “Our team has worked hard to reduce expenses without taking opportunities away from students,” Superintendent Dr. John Mathews said. “But we also must remain competitive in attracting and retaining the outstanding teachers and staff who make Lumberton ISD successful.” This means that Lumberton ISD could generate up to $2.62 million at about 25 cents on the dollar to local taxpayers, but the consideration will be no more than a $0.01 tax rate increase, which equates to about $10 per year for $100,000 of value above the homestead exemption. But no matter the amount, the ballot will still list this as a tax rate increase. And even with the increase, Lumberton ISD will still be the second lowest for tax rates in Hardin County after West Hardin CISD. “Quality schools depend on quality educators,” Board President Lauren Rothe said. “If the state adequately funded public schools, districts like ours would not have to ask local voters for additional support.” An election date has not been made. For more information, visit https://www.lumbertonisd.org/.