Texas school districts approve lower property tax rates

Two Texas school districts, Denton ISD and Dripping Springs ISD, have approved lower property tax rates for the 2026-2027 fiscal year following updated property value certifications and state funding calculations.

Denton ISD adopted a tax rate of $1.1528 per $100 of taxable property value, a reduction of more than five cents compared to the previous fiscal year. The district attributed the decrease primarily to a lower maintenance and operations rate assigned by the state. For a typical homeowner with a median-valued homestead, this represents a savings of approximately $345. The budget supports a $380 million General Fund and includes salary raises for teachers and staff.

Dripping Springs ISD set its final tax rate at $1.0985, which is $0.0067 lower than the rate recommended in June. This adjustment follows the receipt of certified property values and the Texas Education Agency’s final maximum compressed rate calculation. The rate includes components for maintenance, operations, and debt repayment. The district noted that the rate allows for modest teacher raises while maintaining full funding for district programs.