Katy ISD finance update: payroll tracking, debt timing and budget amendments for dual‑credit and capital projects

At the April 14 Katy ISD work‑study meeting the district’s finance team presented February financial statements and several budget amendments.

Jamie Hines, assistant superintendent for finance, told trustees the district is at the fiscal midpoint (50% through the year) and that payroll—KISD’s largest expense—was tracking at about 48% of budget. He said debt payments appeared high (about 80%) because principal and interest are paid in mid‑February; that percentage will normalize after the remaining interest payment in August. Hines also highlighted higher social‑work service expenditures (about 57%) tied to recent position adjustments and noted that data‑processing and transportation variances reflect timing and contract structures.

Director of Budget and Treasury (Espenancerrillos) presented April budget amendments to offset increased dual‑credit classes taught by district teachers and reimbursed by Houston Community College (HCC). The first payment of $104,000 was received and the amendment covers a second reimbursement. The proposed amendments include a $12,000 decrease to the general operating fund balance for the approved naming of the Seven Lakes High School track (presenter said the naming had been approved previously in September). He also described capital‑projects funding for furniture replacement at Beckendorf Junior High funded from 2021 bond savings, which would not change the capital‑fund balance.

Staff recommended awarding the 2025–2027 depository contract to Prosperity Bank based on tabulation, projected interest income on deposits, and service capacity. Trustees praised Prosperity Bank’s responsiveness and local presence.

No formal board votes were recorded on these items during the work‑study; staff said the matters would proceed as part of upcoming action items on the regular agenda.