Willis ISD has approved its fiscal year 2025-26 balanced budget, including a tax rate of $1.0349 per $100 valuation, which is the same as the previous fiscal year.

The gist

WISD Chief Financial Officer Garrett Matej previously presented the balanced budget at the July 9 workshop meeting following the impact of House Bill 2, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The FY 2025-26 budget includes $97.18 million in both estimated revenues and expenditures. Some highlights include:

• $4.8 million in student transportation expenses
• $49.14 million in revenue from state programs
• $1.91 million in instructional curriculum expenses

The maintenance and operation tax rate is $0.6669 per $100 valuation, while the debt service rate is $0.3680 per $100 valuation, making up the total tax rate of $1.0349 per $100 valuation.

In other news

The board approved adopting the “off and away" cellphone policy in response to House Bill 1481. The district surveyed parents on whether cellphones should be completely banned or allowed on campus with a designated storage method.

According to the district, students may bring their phones to campus, but they must remain powered off and stored away during the school day, unless an exception applies, such as a documented medical need or special education accommodation.

What’s next

The next board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration Building, 612 N. Campbell St. in Willis.