South San ISD board votes to proceed with voter‑approval tax‑rate election and efficiency audit

The South San Independent School District board voted June 15 to adopt a resolution to pursue a voter‑approval tax‑rate election (referred to in the meeting as "VADER") and to commission a third‑party efficiency audit to guide the proposed measure.

CFO Stan Osborne described the mechanics and timing: the district must name the audit entity in the resolution and allow time for the audit to be completed before the election process advances. “The cost of that is between $15,000 and $20,000,” Osborne said, adding that naming a vendor by early July allows time to complete the work and present findings before the official call.

Superintendent Dr. Hinojosa told the board the revenue would address aging facilities—roofing and HVAC needs estimated at roughly $2.5 million—and would also support compensation priorities. “This is about our paraprofessionals,” Dr. Hinojosa said, noting the district is budgeting an additional $3,000 for returning teachers and is proposing a 5% raise for paraprofessionals if the community supports the measure.

Board members approved the resolution by roll call after a motion and second. Administration said it has conducted community outreach and that the next steps include selecting the audit firm, completing the efficiency audit, and then formalizing outreach materials for voters.

The board also discussed legal and timeline logistics with staff: calling the election now allows sufficient time for candidate applications and coordination with the county election office, and the resolution requires naming an audit firm by early July to meet presentation deadlines ahead of the election.