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District finance director presents tight budget picture, enrollment and revenue drivers for 2026–27
Summary
Finance staff told trustees the $48.6 million adopted budget is tight: current estimates show near‑full collections and spending with a modest net change, enrollment and property‑value assumptions will drive next year’s numbers, and staff plan a draft preliminary budget for board review in May.
Castleberry ISD finance staff on April 6 walked trustees through a budget workshop that emphasized how small changes in enrollment, property values or state funding could affect the district’s operating flexibility.
William Wooten summarized the current position: the district’s adopted budget is $48.6 million and, as of March, the district anticipates collecting roughly 99% of that figure while spending close to 100% of budgeted expenses — yielding a projected net change of about $399,000 (improving from near $500,000 in the prior month). "The numbers are breathing," Wooten told trustees, noting the estimate will firm as April and May financial reports are finalized.
Wooten reviewed the distinction between I&S (voter‑approved debt service) and M&O (maintenance and operations) funds, and said the I&S fund balance (reported at about $6.5 million) is being used to cover fixed debt obligations. He warned trustees about tax‑rate compression if local property values increase more than 2.5 percent and said the district plans to hold the tax rate flat for planning purposes.
Key budget drivers Wooten cited included projected enrollment (about 3,658 students), changes to active‑care employee benefit costs, and a new electricity agreement that staff estimate could save roughly $40,000 annually. Wooten said staff will present a preliminary certified tax roll and updated projections in late April and a draft budget for board review in May; he also recommended preparing a year‑end budget amendment if necessary.
Trustees asked whether the district could afford additional debt tied to the energy project; Wooten said the financial adviser’s stress test showed the district could manage the proposed financing under modeled assumptions.
Next steps listed by staff included finalizing the preliminary certified tax roll (statutorily required April 30), adjusting non‑payroll and compensation numbers, and preparing a draft preliminary budget in time for the May meeting.
