SCUCISD budget workshop previews child nutrition, property-value effects of new homestead exemptions and tax-rate options

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District officials on July 20 held a budget workshop to preview next year's budget, discussing the Child Nutrition Fund, preliminary certified property values and the expected effect of two new state homestead exemptions, and possible tax-rate scenarios the board could post before an Aug. 18 public hearing.

The session was led by Superintendent Maloney and Chief Financial Officer Brian Moy. Moy told the board the Child Nutrition Fund is "running right about where we're projecting for next year" but noted uncertainty about federal and state special grants added during the pandemic. "For the last several years, the lunch prices have gone up 10¢. This year, we're actually looking at a 20¢ increase in, meal bridal, and here's why," Moy said, explaining the district wants to avoid a much larger single-year increase if federal reimbursement calculations change.

Moy said the food-service program will run an approximate $2 million deficit next year because of a planned large kitchen/serving-line renovation at Samuel Clemens High School and other one-time purchases. That deficit, he said, will reduce the Child Nutrition fund balance by about $2 million to roughly 4.5 months of operations. Moy told trustees federal regulations limit allowable…