Here’s a look back at a handful of the biggest ones:
1. Northwest ISD forecasts 21% enrollment growth by end of decade
Northwest ISD trustees were updated on the district’s demographics report during their regular meeting Dec. 9.
The district continues to be one of the fastest growing in North Texas and is forecasted to enroll more than 38,700 students by the 2029-30 school year, up from 32,022 the 2024-25 school year.
2. Northwest ISD VATRE denied in 3 counties
The Northwest ISD's voter-approval tax rate election failed in all three counties, according to data released from the Wise, Tarrant and Denton counties election office.
“The district will consider class size changes in line with neighboring districts. Northwest ISD will continue to advocate for Texas to adequately fund public schools,” the school said in a social media post Nov. 6.
3. Northwest ISD officials reveal renderings of new stadiums, additional facilities
Northwest ISD staff presented board members with renderings of several new facilities during their regular meeting Oct. 7 that were approved by voters in the 2023 bond election.
According to a district news release, construction projects at Byron Nelson High School and Eaton High School include the following items:
- Expansions to extracurricular areas and cafeterias
- Building home stadiums
Northwest ISD officials are no longer using a security firm hired to protect five of its elementary campuses after the owner of the firm was arrested for sexually assaulting a child.
Anthony Tosie, executive director of communications for the district, said in an email that NISD received notification of the arrest of Kirk Stanley Grable, owner of Lone Star Protection & Security, in late July for the sexual assault of a child.
5. Northwest ISD projects $14.93M budget shortfall for FY 2024-25
Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Pastusek gave a budget update to the Northwest ISD board of trustees June 10. In it, Pastusek projected a $14.93 million budget shortfall.
Pastusek reviewed components of the projected fiscal year 2024-25 budget and compared them to the same numbers from the FY 2023-24 amended revenue budget, which contained a $2.99 million budget shortfall.
The two major factors causing the significant FY 2024-25 shortfall include:
- A more than $20 million increase in payroll expenses
- An over $14 million decrease in state funding
