Katy ISD budget amendments: $241,049 general fund timing adjustments; $1.5M Katy Junior High kitchen replacement included in food service amendment

Esperanza Rios, Katy ISD director of Budget and Treasury, presented the district’s October 2025 budget amendments and answered trustee questions.

General fund timing amendments

Rios said the general fund timing amendments total $241,049. Those timing adjustments reflect expenses for items or services budgeted in the prior fiscal year (2024–25) but received after Aug. 31, 2025; timing categories include maintenance and operations, repairs and supplies, police equipment repairs, technology equipment and athletic supplies.

Food service fund amendment and kitchen replacement

Rios described a food service fund amendment that adds revenue reimbursements related to reduced‑price meals and an expenditure request of $1,500,000 to fully replace the kitchen at Katy Junior High to coincide with the campus renovation. She said the funding is from the food service fund balance and that the contractor selection follows required federal procurement rules; the $1.5 million figure is derived from bids and will be handled through the food service special fund (federal funding constraints apply). The net impact to the food service fund balance is a $1,398,480 decrease.

Trustee questions and clarifications

Trustees asked whether the $1.5 million was out to bid and why Katy Junior High was selected. Staff said the amount is based on bids and procurement guidelines requiring lowest responsive bidder; Katy Junior High’s equipment age and timing with campus renovations drove the decision to combine the kitchen replacement with the renovation. Trustees also asked about what else could be done with the funds and how the district prioritizes kitchen renovations across campuses.

Board action

The item was presented as discussion/consideration 6.1; staff answered trustees’ questions. The transcript does not record a final roll‑call approval at the work‑study session; staff indicated the amendments would be presented for board approval on the consent agenda at the regular meeting.

Key figures

- General fund timing amendments: $241,049 (decrease to general operating fund balance). - Food service fund: $1,500,000 expenditure for Katy Junior High full kitchen replacement; net decrease to food service fund balance: $1,398,480.