Richardson ISD reports 430‑student decline and preliminary $15 million shortfall; budget adoption set for June 3

District staff reported to the Richardson ISD Board of Trustees that preliminary enrollment figures show about 430 fewer students than previously projected and that an early five‑year forecast indicates a roughly $15 million deficit in fiscal 2025 under current assumptions.

At the meeting staff said the district is planning to adopt a budget on June 3 but cautioned trustees the final numbers will depend on legislation and property tax valuations. Staff told trustees the forecast assumes a roughly 5% increase in property values but still yields a multi‑million‑dollar shortfall under current projections.

Why it matters: enrollment declines and salary commitments are the principal drivers of the district’s fiscal outlook; a large shortfall would require changes to staffing, services or reserves if state or local revenue does not change.

Staff described proposed market adjustments and step increases for employees included in the forecast. The presentation said average annual pay in the district is about $63,000 and outlined sample increases by experience band that staff said would cost the district more than $9 million annually if approved. Specifics discussed in the meeting included one set of increases described as about $500 for early‑career staff, $1,000 for mid‑career staff and roughly $2,500–$3,000 for more experienced employees; staff said those figures are part of the compensation proposal and that the final package will be reflected in the budget process.

The presentation included a multi‑year fiscal projection that showed the district moving from a roughly $15 million projected deficit in 2025 into larger shortfalls in subsequent years if current assumptions hold. Staff emphasized the numbers are a forecast and said some costs were reduced in prior years, sales of property produced one‑time revenue offsets, and that the district has a budget committee reviewing options.

Trustees and staff discussed the role of state legislation in the final budget, and staff said the budget may be amended after the legislature’s actions to reflect updated revenue and requirements. The board scheduled the formal budget adoption for June 3 and was told the district will continue legislative outreach and meetings with state representatives and senators.

The board did not vote on the final budget at the meeting. Trustees did vote or schedule an executive session at the meeting’s close for legal and personnel consultations, as noted by staff.