The budget was discussed at the board of trustees’ March 10 meeting.
What you need to know
While a projection was made, FISD’s Chief Financial Officer Amber Petree noted the budget projection is currently “bare bones,” as changes could be made depending on the ongoing legislative session.
“Legislative session is just ramping up, so there’s lots more discussion to be had,” Petree said at the meeting. “This is current law. A lot of assumptions are there, but one small change can make a massive change in this budget.”
Petree listed the following reasons at the board meeting for the projected shortfall:
- No increase in the state's basic funding allotment since 2019
- A projected decrease of 143 students in the average daily attendance, with larger classes rolling out and smaller classes rolling in
- A loss of safety grant funding for mandated peace officers and security monitors, which will be required to be paid for by the district after the grant ends in August
- Lack of funding for the instructional materials allotment
- Debt service for maintenance tax notes
Compared to FY 2024-25, revenues are projected to decline by nearly $690,000, while expenditures are projected to increase by nearly $310,000, according to district budget documents.
If the district cuts its costs to 98% of its expected expenditures, the projected shortfall could decrease to be about $314,000, according to district documents.
Petree said, for 2025-26, FISD officials are prioritizing:
- Salaries, including professionals and paraprofessionals
- Technology
- Re-establishing travel
Petree said the district is monitoring the legislative session and will continue to have budget discussions.
The budget must be approved by the board of trustees by Aug. 31, according to district documents.
