Castleberry ISD reports balanced cash flow, prepares for 2026–27 budget development

William Wootton, Castleberry ISD chief financial officer, presented the monthly financial snapshot for fiscal 2025–26 and outlined next steps for budget planning.

Wootton said the district adopted a $48.6 million budget on June 14 and has collected roughly $8.8 million (18% of adopted budget) and expended about $7.5 million (15%), producing a positive net change in fund balance of roughly $1.3 million to date. He emphasized that state funding is the primary revenue source (about 77% of the adopted budget) and that state payments and settle-up receipts are material to cash flow; the district received a settle-up payment of approximately $3.5 million this month.

Wootton compared year-to-date spending to the same point last year and reported total expenses are slightly lower (down about $135,000), while instruction spending increased (roughly $204,000) reflecting classroom investments and salary increases. He said local property tax (appraisal) collections will continue to come in later in the fall and winter.

Looking ahead, Wootton said the district team is preparing 2026–27 budget development, will monitor cash flow and grant drawdowns, and will present the midyear budget update in December. He reminded trustees auditors will present the annual audit in November and staff will submit audit materials to TEA after board approval.

Board members asked whether spending reductions were driven by position eliminations; Wootton responded in the affirmative. Trustees thanked staff and had no immediate requests for additional action.

Ending: The financial snapshot was accepted for information; Wootton said staff will continue cash-flow monitoring and begin early 2026–27 budget planning.