The Ysleta Independent School District cut its annual property tax rate to the lowest rate in nearly a decade, with the Board of Trustees adopting a 2025-26 rate of $1.2005 per $100 of property valuation at its regular meeting Wednesday.
For Ysleta ISD homeowners, this means they will again pay far less than surrounding districts on annual property taxes, thanks to the district’s focus on long-term discipline and commitment to taxpayers. 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,” said Superintendent of School Dr. Xavier De La Torre. “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.”
Why Ysleta ISD Homeowners Pay the Least
20% YISD homestead exemption: Reduces taxable values & 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, our homeowners actually pay the lowest effective school district tax bills when compared to El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD, and the City of El Paso.
Handling the Budget Deficit – Openly
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. 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. 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.
Making Wise Choices for the Future
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 continues to balance the need for fiscal prudence with its mission to provide high-quality education for all students.