Alief ISD reports 1,930‑student loss and $15.4M near‑term revenue shortfall; district warns of multi‑year gap

Alief Independent School District leaders told trustees on Dec. 16 that the district recorded 36,764 students on Oct. 2, down from a projected 38,318, a shortfall that adds to a year‑over‑year loss of 1,930 students. "Projected enrollment for this year was 38,318," Deputy Superintendent Charles Woods said. "The actual enrollment on October 2 was 36,764," he added, summarizing the gap that administration said is affecting state funding.

Emily Littlefield, the district chief financial officer, told the board that the enrollment shortfall translates into an estimated $15.4 million reduction in revenue for the current year and would likely require drawing down fund balance. "At this point, we are anticipating a reduction for this year of almost $11,000,000 to fund balance instead of our add of $3.8 million," Littlefield said, noting the district had budgeted to increase fund balance but now expects a…