School Board Faces $2.8 Million Deficit Amid Attendance Crisis

During a recent school board meeting, officials provided updates on summer school programs and the preliminary budget, highlighting challenges related to student attendance and funding.

The summer school review indicated that three weeks of sessions were held, with a focus on addressing non-attendance and academic performance. Attendance data revealed that first-grade students had the highest participation, while high school attendance was around 90%. The summer program included breakfast and lunch for students, and additional review sessions were offered before End-of-Course (EOC) testing.

In discussing the preliminary budget, officials reported a revenue of $62,109,589, consistent with previous figures. However, they noted a concerning trend: the district is facing a potential deficit due to lower-than-expected student attendance. With an enrollment projection of 6,100 students, only 92.5% attendance would mean a loss of funding equivalent to one elementary school. This situation has prompted calls for increased attendance to ensure adequate funding for operations and staff salaries.

Board members expressed concerns over rising costs, particularly in health insurance and custodial supplies, which have significantly impacted the budget. The district has been proactive in forming a finance committee to explore potential cuts and manage expenses effectively. However, officials emphasized the need for state support to address these financial challenges, as many districts across Texas are grappling with similar issues.

The meeting underscored the importance of student attendance not only for educational outcomes but also for the financial health of the district, as officials urged parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.