CSISD budget workshop: enrollment down ~300 students; administration flags state‑revenue shortfall
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Summary
District finance staff told trustees that enrollment is lower than expected (about 300 students), state revenue is roughly $1,000,000 below earlier estimates, and several revenue pressures (lower interest earnings, SHARS declines) and payroll concentration mean the district must monitor allocations and consider new revenue strategies.
Miss Wilson, who led the budget presentation, said the district is roughly 40% through its fiscal year but has collected about 35% of expected revenue so far. "We are 300 students less than what we were anticipating," she said, and warned trustees that a mix of reporting changes and funding shifts has produced a notable shortfall.
Wilson described a roughly $1,000,000 shortfall in state revenue in the current summary of finance; she said part of that reflects adjustments tied to the district’s fiscal‑year change and real‑time PEIMS reporting that will cause the state to adjust funding through the school year rather than waiting until summer. The presentation also flagged lower interest earnings after a change in the district’s depository contract and a marked reduction in SHARS federal revenue the district previously collected (historically near $3 million).
On costs and staffing, Wilson said payroll is the largest budget driver (about 84% of the budget). She reviewed staffing models used to maintain target class sizes (22:1 elementary target, 25 at other grade levels) and said central office functions were shifted back to campuses where appropriate. Trustees asked for details about projected deficits; Wilson said the district’s total fund balance is about $65,000,000 and that the district currently holds roughly a three‑month operating reserve.
Why it matters: declining enrollment reduces state funding tied to average daily attendance and per‑pupil allotments. Wilson said the basic allotment after recent legislative changes is $6,215 and that weighted funding averages cited in the presentation can rise to about $7,234 depending on student characteristics. The administration stressed next steps — finalize budget goals, continue enrollment and staffing work, examine new revenue sources (including out‑of‑district transfers) and return in February with staffing allocations.
Trustees praised creation of a budget advisory committee that includes community members and asked administration to continue transparent reporting as the district refines estimates and options.