Goose Creek CISD hears finance update, approves monthly reporting and votes not to sell Highlands parcel

Trustees at the Nov. 10 Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees meeting received a financial update showing projected balances for major district funds and instructed administration to provide monthly financial reporting and a full inventory of district-owned land.

The interim report, presented by district finance staff, covered the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2025. The general fund is projected to close the year with a fund balance of about $98,000,000, meeting the district25 percent reserve target; the Child Nutrition (food service) fund is projected to end the year near $6,000,000 (about three months of operating expenses); and the debt service fund is projected to finish near $42,500,000 after scheduled bond payments. Presenters emphasized that a one-time transfer from capital improvement funds of roughly $12.3 million will not recur in the next fiscal year and that enrollment/average daily attendance remain key revenue drivers.

"This is our roadmap," Finance staff said, explaining that revenues and expenses are preliminary this early in the fiscal year and that monthly reporting will help the board react sooner to emerging trends. Trustees asked for additional detail on capital improvement balances and outstanding budget items; staff agreed to deliver a monthly finance package that will include a CIP (capital improvement program) report and a comprehensive land inventory.

The board then considered several land-related agenda items. Public comment from a Highlands Elementary parent and community members raised alarms about a fence and grading that reduced the schooltrack by an estimated 20 percent and limited daily community use. Trustees discussed whether to sell unused district properties generally but distinguished that larger surplus parcels are a separate issue from the small strip in question.

After deliberation, the board voted to "not solicit sealed bids" for the Highlands parcel, effectively preserving the property for the time being. The clerk recorded five votes in favor, one against and one abstention. Trustee supporters said the land is actively used by students and families; opponents said the district should consider selling unused assets to help budget shortfalls but agreed this specific parcel merits further review.

The board also asked administration to return with ongoing information about low-performing schools, recent campus assessments, and any outstanding budgeted items to help trustees make data-driven decisions in the coming months.

Next steps: the finance team will provide monthly financial reports and the requested land inventory; the Highlands parcel will not be placed for sale at this time.