RISD projects about $25.7 million in annual budget reductions starting 2026–27; trustees to adopt compensation option in June

Debbie Rentería, Board Trustee for District 3, said Richardson ISD is forecasting a gradual decline in revenue that will require significant budget adjustments beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. "The district projects a gradual decline in revenue over the next several years, along with the need for annual budget reductions of about $25.7 million dollars beginning in 2026–2027," Rentería said.

The projection was presented alongside a compensation update for 2026–2027 and a long-range financial outlook. Rentería said the district reviewed neighboring systems, including Northwest ISD and McKinney ISD, and emphasized that Richardson ISD "continues to pay the highest level of compensation in DFW for experienced teachers." She said two compensation options are under consideration and that both include salary increases for teachers and staff.

Rentería told listeners the board is moving forward with adopting compensation option A and that the measure "will be officially approved during the June board meeting as part of the 2026-2027 Budget adoption." The district did not present a formal vote in the remarks excerpted; the June meeting is the next procedural step for final approval.

The budget outlook and proposed compensation changes are presented as part of efforts to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining staff while addressing projected declines in revenue and falling fund balances. The district described the $25.7 million figure as an approximate annual amount; additional details about specific program cuts, timeline for reductions, and department-level impacts were not specified in the remarks.

Next steps: the board will consider final budget adoption, including compensation option A, at its June meeting.