Bastrop ISD CFO outlines proposed 2025–26 budget and monitors school‑finance uncertainty

Mike White, Bastrop ISD's chief financial officer, briefed trustees on the district's proposed 2025–26 budget and the uncertain state school‑finance environment at the May 13 meeting.

White said the district is proceeding with a budget built on current law because the school‑finance bill remained in the Texas Senate late in the session and the regular session is scheduled to end June 2. He reported preliminary certified property values showed a modest increase of under 3 percent and said the district will finalize the tax‑rate conversation after certified values are published in July. White noted several legislative proposals under watch — including changes that could affect homestead exemptions and debt‑service calculations — and said the district has met with legislators and advocates to track potential impacts.

The proposed local budget contains the three locally required funds (general fund, child nutrition and debt service). White said the presented numbers do not yet include additional pay raises or program expansions that would require supplemental legislative funding; if new funding is finalized after the session, the board would amend the budget. White stressed the legal requirement to adopt a budget by June 30 and described options including adopting under current law and amending later if state action provides different resources.