Willis ISD projects roughly $800K–$900K shortfall under early HP 2 estimates; board shown options

Willis ISD finance staff presented a preliminary budget for fiscal 2025–26 on June 9, telling the school board that early interpretations of the state’s HB 2 funding changes plus projected enrollment growth leave the district with an estimated shortfall of roughly $800,000–$900,000 in baseline scenarios.

District finance staff, speaking during a combined budget workshop and business meeting, said state estimates provided to districts project about $4.2 million in new state funding for 2026 and that the district also will receive several new allotments under HB 2. But the staff member emphasized that those figures are preliminary and likely to change as certified property values and clarifying guidance arrive.

The staff’s presentation focused on three drivers: updated state funding under HB 2, projected enrollment growth, and preliminary Montgomery County property values. The staff displayed a revenue estimate of about $96 million for 2025–26 if the state numbers hold and the district enrolls roughly 280 additional students. On the expenditure side, the base budget plus recommended additions — including operating costs for the new Calfee (Calhoun/Calfee) campus and planned personnel — was shown at roughly $97 million in scenarios that include pay increases for district employees.

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