Cy-Fair ISD expects to see no budget cuts for 2012-13

For the first time in more than five years, Cy-Fair ISD administrators do not expect to make any reductions for the 2012-13 school year. On March 5, trustees heard a presentation on the preliminary budget for the upcoming year, which will be adopted this spring.

"A year ago, we were facing a lot of uncertainty with regard to the legislative session and school finance," said Stuart Snow, associate superintendent for business and financial services. "For 2012-13, we are certain about the state of school finance for one year only."

Last year, CFISD's state revenue allocation was cut by $40 million, which prompted the district to reduce its 2011-12 budget by $46 million, or 6.1 percent. For 2012-13, CFISD expects a total of $729 million in both revenue and expenditures to create a balanced budget.

"Last year, the $46 million in cuts were made so it wouldn't be necessary to reduce the budget any further," Snow said.

The preliminary 2012-13 budget will pay for a 3-percent salary increase for all employees, capital outlay purchases and the district's police department start-up costs. Since about 2,200 new students are expected to attend CFISD next year, the district also made provisions for growth.

"When you put dollars to [2,200 students], it's $9 million in terms of teachers and supplies," Snow said.

The administration's preliminary budget does not include a recommendation on the district's optional homestead exemption, which gives homeowners a 20 percent break on property taxes.