BRENHAM ISD OUTLINES NEXT STEPS FOLLOWING PASSAGE OF BOND, VATRE
Brenham ISD is taking the first steps to improve facilities and staff pay, after last month’s passage of the bond measure and Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).
During November’s school board meeting, trustees officially canvassed and certified the results of the district’s two ballot measures. They include the $39 million bond that is dedicated for capital improvements at various facilities, as well as the injection of $2.435 million in new annual funding that will allow the district to provide raises for all staff and equity adjustments across the system.
Superintendent Clay Gillentine said the results from the election are “a reflection of trust in our district, belief in our mission, and a shared commitment to the future of Brenham.” He said, “We are incredibly thankful for the support, the questions, the conversations, and most of all, the people behind the votes. Now the work begins.”
The bond was structured with no increase to the tax rate and will fund safety upgrades, modernization efforts and infrastructure improvements across the district. The projects were identified through months of community input, data analysis and work by the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), which consists of educators, parents and community members.
The district has already posted its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to begin selecting architectural and construction professionals. Based on guidance from the district’s financial advisors, Brenham ISD anticipates completing a bond sale in late February 2026, allowing project planning and work to begin as soon as funds are available.
The SPC’s project list identifies more than 40 critical needs at campuses and district buildings, such as HVAC, plumbing, flooring and roofing. The final number of projects completed will depend on market costs, project prioritization and timeline constraints.
As for the VATRE, the revenue generated will allow for implementation of the full compensation plan adopted by the school board in August. All funding will stay in the district and is not subject to recapture by the state.
Teachers are receiving raises through a combination of the state-mandated increases of House Bill 2 and local enhancement, ranging between an increase of 6 and 20 percent.
Non-teaching staff, after receiving a 3 percent raise in August, will get between an extra 3 to 5 percent more, depending on their role.
Brenham ISD’s Human Resources team conducted a districtwide equity analysis to ensure salaries were fair, consistent and aligned across departments.
Retroactive pay, from the beginning of each employee’s contract, will be processed as part of the December 19 payroll, with most direct deposits hitting on Wednesday, December 17th. All raises will fully normalize in January 2026.
Human Resources will meet with principals and department heads to post additional staffing positions with the goal of reducing classroom crowding. Monthly budget review meetings will guide the responsible use of the new funds.
More information and updates on the bond and VATRE timelines can be found at www.brenhamisd.net.
School Board President Jared Krenek said this outcome is “a direct result of a thoughtful community and a board committed to doing what’s best for kids.” Gillentine said, “We are honored to have earned the community’s support, and we are committed to repaying that trust with transparency, strong stewardship, and ongoing communication.”