Staffing, enrollment decline shape Clear Creek ISD’s FY 2026-27 budget priorities

She also noted the 2023 voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, which allowed the district to add three “golden pennies,” generating an estimated $18 million-$20 million annually in combined local and state revenue.

The district’s main challenge is declining enrollment, driven largely by lower birth rates. The district projects a continued enrollment decline of at least 1,000 students for the 2026-27 school year, Benzaia said.

What they’re saying

Board President Jonathan Cottrell introduced an amendment at the meeting, which the board approved, to include selling surplus properties as a budget priority.

If the district sells surplus property tied to prior bond funding, proceeds would be returned to the capital projects fund and could be used for future projects with board approval, Benzaia said.

Cottrell also discussed the impact of unfunded state mandates, such as Senate Bill 546, passed during the 89th Texas Legislature, which requires buses operated by school districts to be equipped with three-point seat belts by Sept. 1, 2029.

The mandate is estimated to cost the district over $5.3 million, as previously reported by Community Impact.

“[The state legislature] is telling us we have to do these things, but [they’re] not giving us money to do so. That money has to come from somewhere,” he said.

The board also approved adding language to the budget challenges section to highlight the impact of unfunded state mandates.

What’s next

The CCISD Strategic Budget Team will meet in June to evaluate long-term finances and craft recommendations for the board, Benzaia said.

In July, trustees are expected to review compensation plans and receive updated demographic data as well as certified property values. In August, the district will hold a public hearing before adopting the final budget and tax rate for FY 2026-27, as previously reported by Community Impact.