Socorro ISD advisers recommend 12¢ voter approval tax‑rate election, call for healthcare and facilities reviews

Socorro ISD officials on Aug. 5 presented the Finance and Operations Advisory Committee’s unanimous recommendations to the board of trustees, including pursuing a voter approval tax‑rate election (VATRE) for the district’s maintenance and operations rate of up to 12¢ that administrators estimate would generate roughly $49.2 million in recurring revenue.

The recommendations also ask the board to order a comprehensive study of building utilization and maintenance needs and to implement corrective actions for employee health care to make the plan financially self‑sustaining. Superintendent Vasquez told trustees the committee prioritized rebuilding the district’s fund balance and directing new revenue “to support our students and staff.”

Why it matters: Socorro ISD has seen a rapid change in finances and enrollment. Administrators said the district’s fund balance fell from about $100 million in 2023 to roughly $50 million in 2024, and projected operating deficits ranged from about $22 million to $38 million across recent projections. The district has drawn short‑term notes—$25 million repaid in February and a $35 million note received in June—to smooth cash flows; administrators said…