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Alief ISD retreat: CFO warns of nearly $20M deficit, board briefed on 215 proposed staff reductions and insurance options
Summary
At a Feb. 7 special board retreat, Alief ISD CFO Dr. Emily Littlefield told trustees that falling enrollment and rising costs could produce nearly $20 million in current‑year deficits and about $17 million next year; staff presented options including proposed reductions of 215 positions and a possible move to TRS ActiveCare to curb insurance costs.
Alief Independent School District officials told trustees at a Feb. 7 special retreat that ongoing enrollment declines and rising costs have put the district on track for multi‑million‑dollar deficits, and staff outlined potential staffing and insurance changes to narrow the gap.
CFO Dr. Emily Littlefield told trustees the district’s enrollment fell from a 36,764 October snapshot to 36,104 as of the previous week and that the decline shows no immediate rebound. "We are expecting a deficit of almost $20,000,000," Littlefield said, attributing the shortfall to lower revenue tied to fewer students and continued growth in expenditures.
Why it matters: Littlefield said the district’s projected fund balance could fall from roughly $174 million to about $137 million within two years, representing about 29 percent of expenditures and covering approximately 105 days of operating costs; by comparison the Texas Education Agency recommends a roughly 75‑day reserve. School leaders said one more year at current projections would bring the balance below recommended levels.
Staff presented a set of measures…
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