Leander ISD trustees weigh raising budget parameter and a November tax vote to close projected shortfalls

Summary

At a budget workshop, Leander ISD staff outlined a roughly $12.2 million 2025–26 deficit projection, proposed a 3% budget parameter (creating about $6.8M capacity) or alternative payroll budgeting to bridge gaps, and described a possible November 2026 voter‑approval tax election that could net the district about $6.5M after recapture.

Leander ISD board members spent the bulk of an evening workshop reviewing the district’s finances and options to close a mid‑year shortfall.

Gina, the district presenter on 25–26 projections, told trustees that a recent Texas Education Agency change to an over‑65 formula calculation reduced Leander ISD’s expected revenue by “about $3,000,000,” a swing that helped leave the district projecting roughly a $12,200,000 deficit for 2025–26 even after other adjustments. Gina said the district had trimmed that gap from a higher January projection by incorporating expenditure savings and one‑time receipts but warned the outlook remained volatile as state formulas and appeals evolve.

The staff presented two principal approaches for the 2026–27 budget. One option is to change the board’s budget parameter from the current 1.5% to 3%; administration…

Leander ISD trustees weigh raising budget parameter and a November tax vote to close projected shortfalls

Summary

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