Waco ISD discusses budget shortfall while gearing up for basketball playoffs

The Waco Independent School District (Waco ISD) School Board meeting held on February 27, 2025, focused on financial challenges and upcoming events for the district. The primary discussion centered around the district's budget, which currently faces an $8 million deficit. Board members explored potential revenue increases, including a House bill that could generate approximately $4.5 million through a basic allotment increase. However, the anticipated revenue would only help the district break even without any salary increases or additional funding sources.

The board noted that while there would be some savings from administrative costs, estimated at around $700,000, these savings would not significantly alleviate the budget shortfall. The conversation highlighted the importance of managing purchase orders and ensuring that any unspent funds from the current year would need to be covered by next year's budget.

In addition to financial matters, the meeting included announcements about upcoming events. Board members encouraged attendance at a regional finals boys basketball playoff game and a school production of "High School Musical Junior." They also reminded the community about a public hearing on attendance boundaries scheduled for March 4, 2025, and a student holiday on March 7, 2025, leading into spring break.

The meeting concluded with the board entering a closed session to discuss matters under the Texas Open Meetings Act. Overall, the discussions underscored the district's ongoing financial challenges while also promoting community engagement through various events.