SMSD VATRE 2023

State law requires that school districts seek voter approval to raise their maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate above a prescribed amount. The election is referred to as a Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) and asks the voters to approve that rate. 

The district has experienced increased operating costs due to inflation, recapture (Robin Hood) due to increased property value, and unexpected expenses as a result of COVID 19. A VATRE adds money to the general fund budget to pay teachers, custodians, and the people that work in a school district. 

Approval of the VATRE will allow the district to:

• Maintain low class sizes
• Recruit and retain high quality educators by providing competitive compensation
• Maintain innovative programs (STEM, robotics, CTE, etc.) 

The SMSD Board of Trustees and the Stafford City Council adopted a tax rate of $1.0279, which adds 12 pennies, but is still 7 pennies lower than the current rate. See an example of a home valued at $260,000 below. You can also visit the VATRE information page and use our Tax Calculator to see the impact on your property taxes. 

The Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate supports day-to-day operations for the district, including teacher salaries, utilities, transportation expenses, etc.

The Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate is used to pay back funds the district has borrowed to build new schools, do major renovations, etc. The I&S fund is also called the Debt Service fund since the money can only be used to pay off debt and not for day-to-day operations like salaries.

Use our tax rate calculator to see how the VATRE will impact your property taxes based on the value of your home.

Tax Calculator

For home owners 65 and over, there is a $0 tax impact. It will cost you nothing. 

Find more information including voting dates, registration links, polling locations, and ballot language on our voter information page. 

Voter Information