Highland Park ISD Considers Tax Rate That Would Raise Typical Homeowner's Bill by $926

Highland Park ISD is considering a property tax rate that would raise typical homeowner bills by $926 annually, though officials could choose a no-new-revenue alternative instead.

Highland Park ISD trustees are weighing a property tax rate that would increase the typical homeowner's annual tax bill by $926, jumping from $18,609 to $19,535 per residence. The proposed rate of $0.8153 per $100 of property value represents the highest rate officials can adopt without seeking voter approval, according to an analysis published June 8, 2026 by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The analysis highlights Highland Park ISD as an example of local tax decisions across Texas that could push property taxes higher and create new challenges for family budgets.

According to HPISD's Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate, the school district is considering adopting the maximum tax rate allowable without a voter referendum. The proposed rate would apply to the next fiscal year and represents a single-year increase of $926 for the typical homeowner in the district. The current tax bill stands at $18,609 per residence.

The analysis notes that HPISD trustees aren't required to adopt the proposed tax rate. Officials have the option to choose what the report calls the no-new-revenue (NNR) tax rate instead, which would effectively hold tax receipts constant. According to author James Quintero, the NNR rate would "giv[e] homeowners and businesses a chance to catch their breath." The report emphasizes that "now is the time for Texans to learn what their local governments are up to and get involved in the decision-making process—while there's still time to advocate for taxpayer-friendly alternatives."

The analysis frames Highland Park ISD's deliberations within a broader pattern across Texas, where city, county, and school district officials are in the early stages of setting tax rates for the next fiscal year. The report explains that in some cases, these local decisions will force tough personal choices as families adjust their budgets to accommodate higher property taxes. By presenting the NNR alternative, the analysis argues that officials have discretion to choose a path that wouldn't increase the tax burden on residents, even as they consider budget needs for the coming year.

For taxpayers interested in voicing concerns about the proposed tax increase, the report notes that HPISD will hold an upcoming public meeting to solicit input and give residents a forum to be heard. The analysis positions this moment as a critical window for public engagement before trustees make their final decision on the tax rate.