College Station ISD trustees review 2025–26 budget, weigh district-funded raises after HB2 changes

College Station ISD trustees met in a special workshop on June 6, 2025, to review the district’s proposed 2025–26 budget and the local effects of recent state legislation. Heather Wilson, the district’s chief financial officer, briefed trustees on changes in state funding formulas, new allotments in House Bill 2, and budget options for staff compensation.

The legislative changes included a $55 increase in the basic allotment and a new $106 “ABC” allotment tied to enrolled students. Wilson said, “This allotment right here brings about 1,516,000 in that ballpark. It's based on enrolled student.” She told trustees the ABC allotment may be used for transportation, employee health insurance, retirement and benefits, and some property-and-casualty insurance costs.

Why it matters: HB2 and related changes rework the state funding formula that districts rely on. Some increases are restricted by purpose or eligibility; in other cases the state removed prior spending requirements. Trustees said the district must decide whether to apply HB2 teacher-retention payments only to classroom teachers defined under Texas Education Code §5.001 or to extend similar increases to other staff who work directly with students.

Key funding and legislative points presented

- Basic allotment: +$55 per student; Wilson and staff noted the increase does not cover several cost pressures once other formula changes are applied. - ABC allotment: $106 per enrolled student, estimated to bring roughly…