Bay City ISD Election 2026

About BCISD's Budget Deficit and Financial Measures

Budget Deficit Causes: Inflation, Flat State Funding, Declining Enrollment, Underfunded Mandates

Bay City ISD is facing a financial deficit that has developed over several years. Flat state funding, combined with inflation, and state-imposed reduction of the local school tax rate have resulted in a $15.7 million loss of revenue to the district over the last six years, resulting in a budget deficit and projected negative fund balance.
Financial Measures: Salary Freeze, Staff Reduction, Increased Class Sizes, Budget Cuts

Financial Measures: Salary Freeze, Staff Reduction, Increased Class Sizes, Budget Cuts

The district has taken multiple steps to reduce costs over the last five years, including a four-year salary freeze, staff reductions, larger class sizes, and 20% budget cuts. Following these reductions, the district continues to face a budget deficit and declining fund balance.

About BCISD Election 2026

52 members in Strategic Planning Committee

With the support of the Bay City ISD Board of Trustees, a Strategic Planning Committee made up of volunteer community members and district staff was formed. The 52-member committee met 4 times over 2 months to review the district’s financial data, public school finance, and the district’s facilities assessment.

Based on the committee’s work and recommendation, the Board called for a VATRE and bond election during the August 12, 2026 meeting.

In November, BCISD will ask voters to consider two propositions:

Prop A would provide funding to retain high-quality staff and maintain student programs.
Prop B would provide funding to pay off debt.

Election 2026 includes funds designated for staff salaries and impacts every student and campus in Bay City ISD.

The last time Bay City ISD had a bond election was 2016, and BCISD has never held a voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE) election.

Learn More About Props A and B

Proposition A: People & Programs

Proposition A provides $3.6 million of new funding in the current fiscal year and each year after to support Bay City ISD's Maintenance and Operations budget to retain high-quality staff and maintain student programs.

Proposition B: Repayment

Proposition B provides $8 million to allow the district to pay back facility maintenance and operation loans using bond funds, saving the district $1.6M annually in daily operating funds.

Voting Information

Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, October 5, 2026

Early Voting: October 19-30, 2026

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

To register to vote or to find out your registration status, please call the Matagorda County Elections Department at 979-244-7680, or visit the county website at https://www.matagordatx.gov/page/elections.