Budget 2026-2027

The Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees adopted the district’s $142 million budget for the 2026–2027 school year at their June 16 meeting.

Despite continued financial challenges facing public schools across Texas, the adopted budget reflects a balanced approach that prioritizes students, supports staff, and maintains one of the lowest tax rates in the Austin area. 

The district is anticipating approximately $3 million less in combined local and state revenue compared to last year’s adopted budget, while also continuing to experience rising costs across multiple operational areas. To address these challenges, the district implemented several balancing strategies during the budget development process, including operational efficiencies, position reductions through attrition, and a one-time use of fund balance.

Employee Pay

• $1,000 retention payout for all full-time employees distributed in January 2027
• $500 retention payout for all part-time employees distributed in January 2027

Additionally, Del Valle ISD will continue to provide the highest district contributions toward employee health insurance plans in the Austin area. Staff can expect details on this year’s health insurance options in late July.

Proposed Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election

District administration will propose a Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) to the Board of Trustees later this summer.

If approved by voters in November, the VATRE would:

• Generate approximately $13.6 million in additional local funding
• Replace the one-time retention payout with ongoing compensation increases
• Provide a proposed 5% raise for hourly employees
• Provide a proposed 3% raise for all other employees
• Help support future staffing needs associated with opening the new high school in 2028

For the average Del Valle ISD homeowner, the estimated impact of a VATRE would be approximately 76 cents per month.

The district will continue sharing additional information about the proposed VATRE in early fall.