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Plano ISD previews 2026–27 budget showing $43.8M projected deficit under conservative enrollment scenario
Summary
CFO Courtney Reeves gave an initial look at the 2026–27 budget using Zonda’s low enrollment projection (−4.6%, −2,008 students), projecting net revenue of $527.3M, net expenditures of $571.05M and a resulting deficit of about $43.75M; board members discussed assumptions and legislative uncertainty.
At the Jan. 20 board meeting, Plano ISD Chief Financial Officer Courtney Reeves presented the district’s initial 2026–27 budget assumptions and a preliminary forecast that shows a material shortfall under conservative enrollment assumptions.
Reeves said the finance team used Zonda demographer Rocky Gardner’s low projection (a 4.6% decline, or about 2,008 students) when developing the preliminary estimate. Key budgeting assumptions included a 2.5% local property value growth placeholder, a 2% compensation planning placeholder, and a 3% non‑payroll inflation factor. Reeves said those are placeholders that will be refined as appraisal district data and legislative guidance emerge.
Using those assumptions, Reeves presented projected net revenue and appropriations: net revenue and other sources of approximately $527,300,000 and net expenditures (net of recapture) of roughly $571,050,000, yielding a projected deficit of about $43,750,000. She noted that projected recapture is expected to increase by roughly $16 million and that enrollment declines translate directly into state funding decreases.
Trustees discussed the drivers of the shortfall (enrollment decline, recapture, and state funding assumptions) and asked about risk areas such as federal program funding and pending special education intensity rules. Reeves and staff said they are planning for conservative scenarios and will refine revenue estimates when Collin Central Appraisal District certifies values in April. Board members emphasized the district’s 0‑based department budgeting process and said further budget work will continue through spring, with public hearings in June and final budget adoption in June–August timelines.
What happens next: Finance will update assumptions when certified property values are available and will bring department allocations, compensation discussions, and peer review materials to trustees during the March–May budget process.
