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CSISD budget workshop flags enrollment decline, fund‑balance gains and revenue options
Summary
At a Nov. 18 workshop, CSISD staff outlined a shrinking enrollment (down ~300 students), a $14M projected fund‑balance increase on a 10‑month close, and options including out‑of‑district transfers and an online school to offset revenue losses amid federal funding uncertainty.
College Station Independent School District staff opened the fiscal 2026–27 budget workshop on Nov. 18 with a detailed review of enrollment trends, fund balance projections and revenue risks, telling trustees that falling student counts and uncertain federal funding will shape next year’s budget decisions.
The presenter said the district "collected $4,000,000 less revenue over those 2 years on a 12 month basis," attributing the shortfall primarily to declining enrollment and changes in special reimbursement programs. He also reported that on a 10‑month close the district added $2,500,000 to its fund balance and that rolling the numbers forward would show a $14,000,000 increase — while cautioning that those figures are not the same as cash on hand.
Staff said average daily attendance (ADA) was budgeted at 13,500 but that enrollment is already below that mark, noting a drop of about 300 students. "We're down 300 students in enrollment," the presenter said, and warned trustees that continued declines without new revenue could force difficult choices, including program cuts or school consolidations over time.
Board members and staff discussed several revenue strategies. Out‑of‑district transfers were raised repeatedly as a targeted revenue option to fill undercapacity campuses rather than a free‑for‑all assignment. "Out of District Transfers is something we've talked about now for over a year," one presenter said, emphasizing planning and constraints on staffing and campus capacity. Staff also identified online school programs as a growing market that could generate state funding without immediate space needs: "The biggest growing market right now that I'm seeing across the state is online schools," a staff member said, while noting logistical issues such as STAAR testing and proctoring that would need work.
Trustees debated fund‑balance targets. Staff recapped prior board discussion aiming for a 5–6 month reserve but emphasized a 3‑month minimum as necessary to avoid cash shortfalls and maintain favorable financial ratings. Several trustees said compensation should be the priority if additional funds were available.
The administration said it will form a budget committee of board members, administrators and community members, with an initial meeting planned for Dec. 9, to develop priorities and staffing models tied to enrollment. Staff listed next steps including finalizing board budget goals, continued review of allocations, examining new revenue sources, and returning to the board with more detailed staffing and budget recommendations.
The workshop contained no final budget votes; it served as the first step in the multi‑month budget process.
