On August 17, the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election and Bond Election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. The election will include the VATRE presented as Proposition A and six separate bond propositions, Propositions B through G, totaling $448,469,112.
In Texas school finance, a tax rate value is split into two parts. Maintenance and Operations, or M&O, covers a district's daily operating expenses, which include salaries, supplies, utilities, etc. Interest and Sinking, or I&S, is money used to pay off debts accrued by bonds, this being new construction and capital expenses. At PBTISD, the tax rate is $1.00 per $100 of taxable value. With current assessed values, the District will be able to hold its tax rate flat, and there will be no tax increase with the VATRE or bond projects.
Proposition A will ask voters to consider the district’s proposed voter-approved tax rate to obtain three golden pennies that can be applied to the district's Maintenance and Operations. If approved, the VATRE could generate approximately $7.2 million in additional revenue for PBTISD. The additional revenue would not be subject to recapture by the state and would remain within the district.
Just as with past bond referendums, the 2026 Bond was developed by a Stakeholder Steering Committee. Bonds are additionally not subject to recapture, so every dollar stays in PBTISD. The bond propositions include:
Proposition B - $76,624,940: Athletic improvements, agriculture barn expansions, renovation of the Carver School as a special education transition center; and other capital needs
Proposition C- $284,345,305: Multipurpose indoor practice facility and golf facility
Proposition D - $36,115,678: PBTISD Event Center
Proposition E - $7,334,915: Improvements to Eagle Stadium
Proposition F - $27,528,810: Sidewalk and street replacement around district schools
Proposition G - $16,519,464: Teacher housing
“We are committed to being responsible stewards of the district’s financial resources and taxpayer dollars,” Acting Superintendent Chris Henson said. “Our schools are at the heart of our community, and this election will help ensure that they continue to be a source of pride for generations to come."
PBTISD will provide additional information about the VATRE, proposed bond projects, financial details, estimated tax impacts, voting locations, and community informational opportunities in the coming weeks.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting will be held from Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 30. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5. Community members may visit pbtisd.net/2026election for official information and updates about the 2026 VATRE and bond election.