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Ysleta ISD projects smaller-than-expected budget shortfall after cost controls, enrollment drop
Summary
Ysleta ISD’s finance chief told trustees the district’s ending fund balance projection for June 30, 2026, improved after revenue gains and spending cuts; the projected deficit has been reduced from $22.2 million toward a $17 million figure as officials continue work on the 2026–27 budget.
Miss Camborne, the district’s chief finance and operations officer, told the Ysleta Independent School District board on Feb. 18 that a combination of higher property‑tax collections and tighter spending has improved the district’s fund‑balance outlook.
Camborne said the district’s ending fund balance was $78.3 million on June 30, 2024, and fell to $42.1 million at the end of fiscal 2025. The budget the board adopted earlier anticipated a $22.2 million deficit; after accounting for the loss of 1,400 students (about $4 million in revenue), strengthened property‑tax collections (+$3.9 million) and expenditure reductions, the district now projects a June 30, 2026, balance of about $24.9 million and expects the shortfall to be closer to $17 million.
"We've limited traveling, stopped stockpiling, lowered the P‑card limit and are refurbishing technology," Camborne said in the boardroom. She told trustees the district has reduced planned spending by roughly $5.1 million through Dec. 31 and that seasonally driven costs (spring sports, utilities) remain to be managed.
Trustees pressed for clarity about whether more drastic measures — including campus closures — would be required. Camborne said she was not recommending any campus closures now, citing occupancy levels above her 50% threshold, and said the district is reviewing retirements and resignations before authorizing replacements.
Board members also received the budget‑development timetable: projected enrollment and historical trends will be reviewed in March, staffing and expenditure projections in April, and a recommended budget will be brought to the board in May. Tax‑rate adoption remains separate and will follow after the appraisal district certifies values in late July.
The board did not take a formal vote on the budget at the Feb. 18 meeting; trustees asked for continued updates and transparency as staff finalizes the recommended budget.
Ending note: Camborne said the district’s goal is to bring the adopted deficit into a $12 million–$17 million range ahead of the May budget presentation.
