Five San Antonio-Area School Districts Are Asking Voters to Approve Tax Increases This November

If you own a home in San Antonio or the surrounding communities, your property tax bill could look different in 2027. Five school districts in the greater San Antonio area have placed tax measures on the November 2026 ballot, and the outcome will affect homeowners, buyers, sellers and landlords across a wide stretch of Bexar County and beyond.

The five districts seeking voter approval are San Antonio ISD, Northside ISD, South San Antonio ISD, East Central ISD, and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, commonly known as SCUC. Each district is asking for something a little different, but the common thread is that passing these measures would increase the tax rate homeowners pay on the assessed value of their property.

San Antonio ISD, which serves much of the urban core including neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Highland Hills, Woodlawn and the areas surrounding downtown, is asking voters to approve $600 million in bonds along with a tax rate increase. Northside ISD, one of the largest districts in Texas and home to families across the northwest side including Leon Valley, Helotes and areas near Lackland, is seeking $886.2 million in bonds plus a 3-cent increase in its tax rate.

South San Antonio ISD covers communities on the south side, while East Central ISD serves neighborhoods stretching toward the eastern edge of Bexar County. Both districts have their own measures on the ballot, though their specific bond and rate details are still being reviewed by voters heading into the fall.

SCUC ISD is asking for one of the more clearly defined rate changes. The district, which serves Schertz, Cibolo and Universal City northeast of San Antonio, is proposing a 12-cent increase that would move its tax rate from $1.0769 per $100 of assessed value to $1.1969. If approved, that increase is expected to generate roughly $15 million a year in additional revenue for the district.

What does a 12-cent rate increase actually mean for a homeowner? On a home with a taxable assessed value of $300,000, a 12-cent increase translates to $360 more per year, or about $30 more per month. Keep in mind that Texas homeowners who qualify for a homestead exemption reduce their taxable value, so your actual number will depend on your specific assessment and any exemptions you carry.

For buyers currently shopping in Schertz, Cibolo or Universal City, this is worth factoring into your budget conversations now. Mortgage lenders typically collect property taxes through escrow, which means your monthly payment adjusts when your tax rate changes. If you are under contract or planning to close before year-end, ask your lender how a potential rate increase would affect your projected escrow payment.

Sellers in these districts should be aware that buyers are paying close attention to carrying costs. In a market where affordability is already a real conversation, a higher tax rate can influence how buyers perceive the value of a home. That does not mean your home becomes harder to sell, but it is a factor a well-prepared listing agent will help you address transparently.

For renters, the connection is indirect but real. When property taxes rise, landlords often adjust rents to protect their returns. Not every increase gets passed along, and Texas law does not require it, but over time higher operating costs tend to work their way into rental pricing. If you rent in Northside ISD, SAISD or any of the other affected districts, it is reasonable to anticipate some upward pressure on rents if these measures pass.

Landlords and investors should run their numbers with both scenarios in mind before November. A 3-cent increase on a Northside ISD rental property might be modest on a single-family home, but it adds up across a portfolio or on a higher-value asset.

Beyond the personal finances, these votes carry real weight for the communities involved. Bond funds are typically used for things like new school construction, campus renovations and technology upgrades. The quality of local schools is consistently one of the top factors families name when choosing where to buy a home, which means the condition and reputation of a school district has a direct influence on neighborhood property values over time.

Early voting will begin before Election Day on November 3, 2026. If you own property, rent or are shopping for a home in any of these five districts, this is a ballot measure worth understanding before you vote. Talk to your tax professional about how a rate change would affect your specific situation, and work with a local real estate agent who knows the district boundaries and can help you see the full picture.