A proposal to improve safety at Hays CISD elementary schools could force the district to increase its ad valorem rate to generate enough revenue.

 The item was part of a presentation on the district’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19 budget, which could have a $6 million deficit, if approved by the board of trustees. Officials said increasing the tax rate has not yet been included in the preliminary budget and is only a point of discussion at this time.

The safety proposal, presented to the board ...