EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Ysleta Independent School District said it cut its annual property tax rate to its lowest rate in nearly a decade.
The YISD Board of Trustees adopted a 2025-26 rate of $1.2005 per $100 of property valuation at its regular meeting Wednesday, Sept. 10.
This is the fourth year in a row that Ysleta ISD has decreased its tax rate – the new rate is:
• 3.1 cents lower than last year
• 8 cents lower than 2023-24
• 26 cents lower than 2018
“Reducing the tax rate is one more way Ysleta ISD ensures its homeowners’ tax dollars are being used wisely and responsibly,” YISD Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said. “As the only district in El Paso to offer an extra 20% homestead exemption, we’re able to deliver the lowest tax bills for our homeowners while protecting classrooms, managing a state-driven deficit responsibly, and safeguarding the financial future of our schools.”
According to the district this is why Ysleta ISD homeowners pay the least property taxes compared to surrounding districts
• 20% YISD homestead exemption: Reduces taxable values and lowers homeowners’ tax bills
• Increase in state homestead exemption: The statewide exemption has risen from $100,000 to $140,000, multiplying the savings for Ysleta ISD families.
• Perception vs. reality: On paper, Ysleta ISD’s tax rate is the highest – but because of the 20% homestead exemption, homeowners in the district actually pay the lowest effective school district tax bills when compared to El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD, and the City of El Paso.
In June, Ysleta ISD adopted a budget with a $22.2 million deficit – a figure driven by a state school-funding system that limits how much revenue local districts can generate, the district said.
But increasing the tax rate would not bring in more money, as state law would then reduce state aid to Ysleta ISD accordingly – meaning taxpayers would pay more while classrooms would see no benefit, the district said.
Instead, the district launched a multi-year “Financial Stabilization Plan” that prioritizes cost-containment, debt reduction, and fund-balance rebuilding to ensure it remains financially sound while protecting taxpayers, the district said.
Since 2017, Ysleta ISD has cut its tax rate by more than 17% – and over the past two years, Ysleta ISD has reduced its bonded indebtedness by more than $27 million, strengthening long-term financial stability, the district said.
The district continues to balance the need for fiscal prudence with its mission to provide high-quality education for all students, it said.
Read: Read More