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Board warned of enrollment decline and tighter reserves as district readies 2026–27 budget
Summary
District leaders reported enrollment down roughly 2 percent and projected a reduced general‑fund balance, while cautioning that state and federal fiscal uncertainty could require additional reductions or planning.
District leadership told the board that enrollment trends and state fiscal uncertainty will complicate next year’s budget.
Superintendent Ken said the district monitors enrollment daily and that, after recent withdrawals and regular tracking, enrollment was approximately 8,430 students — about a 2% decline from prior projections. He noted that elementary grades showed the strongest declines and that class‑size averages remain a focus; the district’s elementary average class size was presented as roughly 23.6 students with some classrooms higher (one reported as 26.5 on average in a campus with concentrated growth).
Business manager Pat reported the district’s beginning balance had a downward adjustment (from the budgeted $22.05 million to $21.05 million) and that an expected legislative increase for the high‑cost disability pool did not occur. Current projections showed an ending general‑fund balance near $14.2 million, a drawdown the staff flagged when planning FY 2026–27.
Officials described outside fiscal risks: a possible federal government shutdown, potential impacts from HR 1 (a federal package that staff said could lower participation in many federal programs and reduce associated revenue), Governor guidance to slow spending and state requests for reduction scenarios. The district identified key dates for agencies to propose reduction packages (mid‑October through early November) and that legislators could consider statewide realignments in late winter.
Pat also summarized capital funds and bond program activity: most summer renovations are closing punch lists, West Powellhurst had HVAC delivery delays, the CTE center remained on track for opening at semester break, and the district planned to convene the bond oversight committee soon.
Ending: District staff warned trustees that revenue and reserve levels will require careful planning and scheduled a forthcoming budget workshop to dig into options.
