AISD projects fund‑balance shortfall, outlines school consolidation roadmap and proposed cuts

The Austin Independent School District superintendent told the Board of Trustees on May 22 that the district is forecasting a deterioration in its fund balance and outlined a proposed FY2025‑26 budget and a consolidation roadmap intended to restore fiscal stability.

Superintendent Segarra said the district now projects ending fiscal 2024‑25 with a 16.4% fund balance, below the board’s 20% policy level. “We are projecting to end the 2024‑25 fiscal year… with a 16.4% fund balance, which is less than board policy,” Segarra said during the superintendent’s report.

The administration presented a recommended FY2025‑26 general‑fund budget that, before one‑time land‑sale assumptions and other strategies, would show an adjusted net change in fund balance of roughly a $112 million drawdown. Administration proposals to close the gap include $4 million in identified strategies, two potential land sales totaling about $45 million, $20 million in additional identified strategies, and a $24 million “force reduction” that would spread required savings…