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Lake Dallas ISD reviews 2025'6 budget outlook; child nutrition continues under CEP
Summary
CFO Anne Hahn briefed trustees on the district's budget outlook: a $14.3 million general fund balance, TEA baseline of 25% (~$10.4M), projected tax rate similar to last year at $1.26, and continued district participation in the Community Eligibility Provision for elementary schools.
At the July 21 board meeting, Lake Dallas ISD Chief Financial Officer Anne Hahn continued the district's multi-month budget discussion and outlined revenue, fund balance and child-nutrition programs ahead of formal budget adoption in August.
Hahn said the district closed the 2023'4 audit with about $14.3 million in general fund balance. She noted TEA's baseline recommended fund balance is 25% of annual expenditures, which for the district equates to roughly $10.4 million. Hahn reminded the board that a portion of fund balance is used for one-time expenditures and to pay leases; she specifically referenced an Apple lease as a likely outlay from fund balance.
On revenue, Hahn said state funding follows students and depends on the Foundation School Program formulas. The basic allotment increased this legislative session from $6,160 to $6,215. Early estimates presented to trustees showed an anticipated increase in state revenue driven by new allotments for teacher retention and support staff, while local revenue estimates depend on certified property values. Hahn said initial tax-rate calculations show little change from last year and that if the preliminary estimate holds the tax rate would remain near $1.26.
Hahn also reported the child-nutrition program will again operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for elementary schools, allowing all elementary students to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Secondary meal prices were proposed to remain at $2 for breakfast and $3.35 for lunch for 2025'6.
Trustees asked about lunch debt and whether community members could assist; Hahn said the district does not have an exact number at the meeting, and that generally the general fund covers negative child-nutrition balances.
Next steps: the business office will present federal programs, debt service and final general-fund and food-service budgets on August 11; the board will adopt the tax rate and budget on August 25.
Ending: Hahn reminded trustees that certified property values from the comptroller are expected by mid-month and that final budget figures will reflect those numbers.
