While the Eanes ISD board of trustees has worked on its 2015-16 budget, the Texas Education Agency reduced 2015-16 funding for 70 school districts, including EISD, resulting in approximately $800,000 less in funding.
As of press time Sept. 4, the EISD 2015-16 budget predicts a $3.8 million shortfall, and the board of trustees looked for ways to cut expenses and increase revenue during its Aug. 11 meeting.
The estimated $3.8 million gap requires cutting $1.7 million in full-time staffing, a loss of about 32 positions. The shortfall still allows for an estimated $1.3 million in salary adjustments, resulting in a 2 percent raise, and five full-time contingency positions.
Superintendent Tom Leonard said EISD has less money for teacher salaries than other area districts partly because of decreased state funding from 2011 cuts that has not been refunded and school programs and some district policies.
“Some of the programs that we’ve chosen to do ... are more expensive than programs offered in other districts,” he said. “And in some other districts, the staff are teaching six classes instead of teaching five … [so] you don’t need as much staff [as EISD does].”
Leonard said 11 other districts in Central Texas rank above EISD in salaries for beginning teachers and teachers with five years of experience. New teachers in EISD earn $42,000 annually, whereas new teachers make more than $44,000 in Austin ISD and $45,000 in San Marcos ISD.
Board members discussed a potentially long commute and high cost of living in the area as concerns for EISD teachers.
Leonard said other factors draw teachers to EISD, such as health care benefits and a positive work environment. He said he hopes to offer a more competitive salary soon.
Leonard said he thinks the final shortfall will actually be closer to $3 million as a result of up to $500,000 in various savings throughout the school year and a potential increase in property taxes.
TEA has said it will repay the $800,000 loss of per capita funding in 2016-17, though some board members were doubtful. EISD also saved $1.1 million from the planned deficit in 2014-15, and will receive an estimated $900,000 from Travis County assessed property tax value increases.
Leonard said while the $52.5 million bond passed in May cannot be used for salaries, it can help with expenses elsewhere and result in savings.
“You could use the bond to replace an inefficient air conditioner with a more efficient air conditioner,” he said. “The savings in utilities will show up in your budget, and you can use that for salaries.”
A Sept. 8 meeting was held to discuss and update the budget. Another meeting will be held Sept. 22. The final budget should be decided by late September, Leonard said.
