These 3 Tarrant County school districts are raising taxes with voter approval
Residents of Northwest, Hurst-Euless-Bedford and the Southlake Carroll school districts will see their property taxes increase.
In all three cases, the money will go toward ensuring teachers and staff have competitive pay.
Last year, only one of the two districts that wanted to raise their tax rate got voters’ approval. In Tuesday’s election, all three school districts that asked voters to raise their tax rate were narrowly granted the wish.
Fred Campos, a member of the H-E-B and Tarrant Appraisal District boards, said the 2024 decision by TAD to freeze property values for three years instead of reappraising annually as most counties do may be the reason more districts needed to raise tax rates this year.
“There’s a few Robin Hood exceptions, but for most of them, a three-year freeze does have perhaps a negative impact on school funding,” Campos said. “And taking all of that in consideration, that would, based on my hypothesis, create more districts to go out for VATRE (Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election).”
According to unofficial election results, just over 50% of voters were in favor of giving the Northwest and HEB districts more tax dollars. The 5.8% increase in Northwest will give the district $14.3 million.
Northwest will use the money to fill high-need positions for the school year, lowering class sizes next school year, give teachers raises and adjust custodial services.
“By lowering class sizes and continuing to provide raises for our teachers and staff, we are focused on maintaining an educational environment where all students receive a high-quality education and all educators – and those who support them — are valued,” a Northwest ISD spokesperson said.
HEB’s new tax rate is 5.2% higher, generating nearly $6.6 million more for the school district. With that money, Campos said HEB can stay competitive in staff salaries and ensure no programs are cut.
In Carroll, 58% of voters said yes to the tax rate’s 2.6% increase. The increase will bring in an additional $3.8 million. Board president Cam Bryant said every Carroll staff member will receive a retention stipend this month. He said in a statement that more details regarding the investment will be announced in the coming months.
“I’m so grateful to our community for investing in our kids,” Campos said. “It is difficult. Nobody likes tax increases, but it really is an investment in the future, and I’m proud of our community.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM.