Magnolia ISD adopts $204.3 million 2025–26 budget, keeps total tax rate under $1 and approves $500 one‑time payment

The Magnolia Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to adopt the 2025–26 proposed budget of $204,315,994 and approved tax‑rate components that leave the district's total ad valorem rate below $1 per $100 valuation. The board also approved a one‑time $500 retention payment for all employees to be paid Sept. 15.

Board members heard a presentation on revenue drivers and expenditures before the votes. Dr. Morris, district staff member and the meeting presenter, told trustees that “the 3 primary funds that the board is required to approve tonight are all balanced.” He said the budget was built on a conservative estimate of 400 new students but that enrollment growth has already exceeded that estimate.

The district listed several revenue drivers: enrollment growth, a one‑time increase in the state's new instructional facilities allotment tied to Magnolia Parkway Intermediate and Magnolia Parkway Junior High (described in the presentation as roughly $1,000 per new student, producing about $1 million for one year), and state funding changes from HB 2 that the presenter said are largely passed through for teacher raises. On the expenditure side, Dr. Morris noted the…