The decision will save approximately $1.43 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, according to agenda documents.
Why it matters
The decisions were cost reduction measures at JISD with the final 2025-26 fiscal year budget deadline looming in June. An estimated 2025-26 base budget showed a shortfall of $40.82 million before any additional cuts were made by the board, according to the meeting presentation.
What else?
The reduction of employee work days will also no longer be considered by the board, including the reduction of one work day for all employees.
Fields asked the board to table any employee day reduction discussion after district administration no longer recommended the move. He said the administration does not want to reduce a day before giving raises mandated by the approval of House Bill 2.
The bill allots a $2,500 raise to classroom teachers with three to four years of experience in districts with over 5,000 students, such as Judson ISD. A $5,000 raise will be given to classroom teachers with five or more years of experience.
What the board is saying
Board member José Macias Jr. said that the district should not be looking toward cutting employee compensation with the loss of days.
“I always appreciate more calculation, recalibrating in terms of looking at what’s happening out there in Austin and how it impacts our employees ... we did fight very hard to make sure Judson ISD was a competitive place in compensation. I am in no mood to reduce that by reducing days," Macias Jr. said.
What the community is saying
Scott Willis, a teacher at Veterans Memorial High School, questioned the timing of the considerations and their actual impact on the district’s general fund.
“We already work well above and beyond [what’s required] ... if you want to ruin morale, go ahead and take a day from where the rubber meets the road [and] do it at the last minute,” Willis said.
District PEIMS Coordinator Janlen Waclawczyk said she has been with the district for decades and wants compensation decisions to be made by the board with both students and staff in mind.
"[Day reduction] approach risks unraveling the very progress we fought so hard to achieve, so tonight I implore you, recall the promise that led you to run for this board. Remember the students who rely on every one of us," Waclawczyk said.
Next steps
The board is anticipating to approve its budget for the 2025-26 school year by June 26, Board President Monica Ryan said.
