Dear Families and Staff:
I still remember the day a pharmacy manager asked me a simple question: Would I be interested in becoming a pharmacy lab technician?
At the time, I did not fully understand how much that opportunity would shape my future. What I did know was that it offered a chance to learn valuable skills, earn an industry certification, and gain experience in a field that mattered. That experience opened doors I had never imagined.
It helped me develop the confidence and knowledge that eventually led me into education as a science teacher. From there, I had the opportunity to serve as a leader in school transformation to support student success. Today, as superintendent of San Antonio ISD, I often reflect on how a single career-focused opportunity helped change the direction of my life.
That experience is one reason I believe so strongly that today's students deserve the same chance to explore careers, gain real-world skills, and earn industry certifications that can prepare them for college, careers, military service, and life after graduation.
On Nov. 3, voters will consider several propositions. One of those measures is Proposition A, a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE.
If approved, the VATRE would generate approximately $5.5 million in additional annual revenue dedicated to people and programs. These funds would be used for Career and Technical Education programs, access to industry certifications, and skilled-trade pathways for students.
The proposition would be used for training and recruitment of future educators. Many school systems across the country face ongoing challenges in recruiting and developing teachers.
In its first year, the VATRE would also provide current employees with a one-time compensation supplement in recognition of their continued dedication to students.
Voters will also consider three bond propositions that focus on facilities, technology, safety, and infrastructure.
Proposition B would fund school facility improvements, including major modernization projects, upgrades to building systems such as HVAC, roofing, windows, and accessibility features, safety and security enhancements, and the replacement of aging district vehicles and school buses.
Proposition C would provide funding for cybersecurity improvements, technology infrastructure upgrades, and instructional devices that support teaching and learning across the district.
Proposition D would fund replacement of the aging turf at Alamo Stadium, which has exceeded its expected life cycle, along with additional infrastructure improvements at the stadium and convocation center.
Together, these propositions represent expenditures toward students and staff, and the learning environments that support them.
Ultimately, the decision belongs to the voters.
Our responsibility is to provide information about how funds would be used, and ensure our community has the facts needed to make an informed choice on Election Day.
Best,
Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Superintendent
San Antonio ISD