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Bastrop ISD Officials Warn Funding Uncertainty from State Legislation Could Affect 2025–26 Budget
Summary
CFO Mike White told the board that pending state bills and timing on comptroller values leave the district uncertain about next year’s revenue, noting SHARS reimbursement declines and a demographer projection of 370 new students; district staff will present budget scenarios in April.
Bastrop ISD’s chief financial officer, Mike White, told trustees that uncertainty in state-level school finance bills and timing of updated property values are making it difficult to finalize the district’s 2025–26 budget.
White summarized differences between competing proposals — including references to House Bill 3 (education savings account elements) and House Bill 2 (a proposed $220 increase in the basic allotment) — and said the Senate and House approaches remain under negotiation. He said some ESA proposals discussed in the Legislature peg amounts at roughly 85% of the statewide average ("a little under $11,000" in one framing) and noted that both chambers have large sums identified for ESA-like programs.
White also flagged local revenue risks: SHARS reimbursements (federal reimbursements for special‑needs health‑related services) have declined and the district is budgeting about $400,000 for SHARS next year, down from earlier years when SHARS revenue exceeded $2 million. He described timing and appeal‑related uncertainty around comptroller values and said the district would not yet finalize major commitments until state action and certified values are clearer. "We're kind of operating in the dark a little bit," White said, summarizing the challenge facing district budgeting.
White outlined district planning steps: staff will prepare budget scenarios, prioritize teacher pay and special programs, and revisit departmental requests as state and comptroller data firm up. He said the district is planning for growth (the demographer estimate used in planning is about 370 additional students) and must balance staffing and program needs with unknown funding levels. Trustees asked for follow‑up reporting once updated figures are available.
