The district’s board of trustees approved the total $988.34 million budget during a June 17 meeting in a 5-0 vote. Trustees Stephanie Elad and Keith Maddox were absent from the meeting. The budget accounts for general operating needs, child nutrition services and paying off district debt and interests.
The operating budget has $771.69 million in revenue with $762.68 million in expected expenses—creating a $9 million surplus.
District officials and trustees discussed the budget through a series of workshops.
A closer look
Here is a breakdown of the approved $988.34 million budget:
- $762.68 million in the general operating budget
- $198.36 million in the debt services fund
- $27.3 million in the child nutrition fund
More details
The district’s approved compensation plan includes raises for all staff as well as increases specifically for teachers from new Texas legislation.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 into law June 4. HB 2 will provide permanent raises for educators and support staff; overhaul how the state funds special education; and set aside money for schools to spend on fixed costs, such as utilities and insurance. The bill also includes funding increases for early learning initiatives, school safety, student career training and educator preparation.
The pay raises for classroom teachers are:
- $2,500 for one to four years of experience
- $5,000 for five or more years of experience
The starting salary for first-year teachers with no experience will be $62,000 in the 2025-26 school year, according to the approved compensation plan.
Looking ahead
The district’s tax rate is expected to be brought to the board for consideration Aug. 18.