AUSTIN, Texas — As students prepare to return to school, the Austin ISD Board of Directors had a packed agenda Thursday, including an update on a potential tax increase to address the district’s $119 million deficit.

In addition to back-to-school discussions and an update on special education, Austin ISD is addressing its $119 million budget deficit.

“There hasn’t been a significant increase in funding for schools in recent years, but costs have gone up and our demands have gone up as we support our kids and make sure they have the programs we need,” said Jacob Reach, AISD’s chief officer of government relations.

To provide much-needed relief, the county is asking the Board to consider a voter-approved tax rate election, or VATRE. If voters approve it in November, it would give residents an additional $40 million per year in exchange for an average tax increase of $400 per year.

“This is the most sensible way to increase our revenue and ensure we have the resources we need for our students,” Reach said.

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According to Reach, a VATRE would reduce the deficit from $119 million to $78 million. For Austin ISD Employees Union President Ken Zarifis, that’s a no-brainer.

“The VATRE is a must,” Zarifis said. “With the state attacking, defunding and refusing to fund public education, this is a real opportunity for our community.”

The additional revenue would help the district avert further cuts and provide a compensation package that would help raise salaries to market levels.

“For students to succeed, teachers and school staff must also succeed,” Zarifis said. “This raise will help us across the board.”

If VATRE is not passed, Reach fears that cuts will have to be much more drastic, which will ultimately have a negative impact on student achievement.

“We know that Austin students all aspire to great things and deserve great things: great teachers, great programs,” Reach said. “And that’s what we want to give them.”

But Zarifis is confident that the people of Austin will get it done if the proposal comes to a vote.

“Parents care about their children’s schools, but more than that, the whole community cares about our schools,” Zarifis said.

The board will vote on the VATRE next Thursday after a public hearing with the community. It must be approved before August 19 to get on the state ballot.