School Funding Referendum 2024

Early Voting in the School Funding Referendum starts MONDAY, OCT. 21. Registered voters can vote at any location in Denton County. The nearest locations are listed below. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of early voting locations.

Nearby Voting Locations for Argyle...

• Argyle Town Hall
  308 Denton St. E., Community Room, Argyle, 76226

• Bartonville Town Hall
  1941 E. Jeter Rd., Town Council Chambers, Bartonville, 76226

• Denton County Southwest Courthouse
  6200 Canyon Falls Dr., Community Room, Flower Mound, 76226

• Flower Mound Fire Station 2
  4401 Shiloh Rd., Community Room, Flower Mound, 75022

• Lantana Community Event Center
  1301 Haverford Ln., Full Facility, Lantana, 76226

• Northlake Town Hall
  1500 Commons Cir., Ste. 300, Chamber Room, Northlake, 76226

• Robson Ranch Clubhouse
  9428 Ed Robson Cir., Bandera/Medina Room, Denton, 76207

State law requires very specific ballot language that cannot be modified. The ballot calculation requires an increase in M&O tax revenue compared to last year's property values. AISD experienced an increase of over 13% in taxable values this year. Argyle ISD would retain $2.5 million locally if the School Funding Referendum is approved.

VIEW SAMPLE BALLOT: https://www.argyleisd.com/.../school.../sample-ballot

On Thursday, Argyle ISD held a YouTube Live presentation for the community of the School Funding Referendum. This video was to assist those families and community members who were unable to attend one the presentations in the community or a coffee talk with Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter.

The video also includes five FAQs that have been common questions at community presentations. Thank you again for taking time to watch the video.

Please share the video link with others in the Argyle ISD community to help inform them prior to the start of early voting on Monday.

CLICK HERE to share the video link.

If the School Funding Referendum is approved, how will Argyle ISD use the funds retained? The funding priorities will be utilized for teacher and staff raises, maintaining class sizes and support personnel.

• 2% raise for all teachers and staff
• Maintain 22 to 1 students-to-teacher ratio PreKindergarten-4th grade
• Support personnel (campus interventionists, nurse aides, SGC librarian)

If approved, the tax rate impact for Argyle ISD taxpayers would be an increase of $6.42 per month for every $100,000 of taxable home value.

To estimate this amount, please visit the link below for a tax calculator on the AISD website.

CLICK HERE to estimate your tax impact monthly and yearly.

*As a reminder, for homeowners 65 and older whose property taxes are frozen, this increase will not affect their taxes unless they have made significant improvements to their homes.

Why is the district calling a School Funding Referendum?

Argyle ISD, like most districts across the state, is being negatively impacted by a lack of state funding. Because of this funding shortfall, the District has adopted deficit budgets for both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.

This shortfall is due in part to the basic allotment per student remaining unchanged since 2019, while inflation has increased. The lack of adjustment to funding has reduced our ability to support teachers and staff effectively.

Argyle ISD currently employs more than 700 teachers and staff. Due to a lack of funding by the state legislature, the District does not have the available M&O budget to fund raises. The School Funding Referendum would allow the district to fund a mid-year 2% raise for all teachers and staff.

What caused the district's budget shortfall?

School districts across the state have adopted deficit budgets for the last two years, and Argyle ISD’s budget shortfall stands at $1.29 million. Contributing factors include rising inflation costs for insurance, fuel, and utilities, increased expenses for safety and security measures, and the basic allotment of $6,160 per student remaining unchanged since 2019. The 2024-25 budget includes a one-time retention supplemental payment, highlighting Argyle ISD's commitment to recruiting and retaining teachers and staff. If the school funding mechanism is approved, Argyle ISD will be able to provide a mid-year 2% general pay increase for all staff.

*The Texas basic allotment is a foundational component of the state's school finance system, representing the minimum amount of funding allocated per student. It serves as the starting point for calculating state funding to school districts, with adjustments made based on factors such as district size, demographics, and special programs.

What is the district's history of financial stewardship?

Argyle ISD has a distinguished history of stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The district's most recent external audits have been the highest rated. For the past 22 years, the district has been awarded the highest financial integrity rating, Superior (A), from the state of Texas. In 2023, the district was also awarded Transparency Stars for Traditional Finances and Debt Obligations from the State Comptroller.

CLICK HERE to read more FAQs.