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HISD unveils recommended $2.015 billion 2026–27 budget, says resources will prioritize underserved schools
Summary
HISD budget staff presented a recommended 2026–27 operating budget showing roughly $1.99 billion in revenue, $2.015 billion in expenditures and a projected FY27 fund balance of about $729.5 million; the administration emphasized directing more per‑pupil dollars to NES (underserved) campuses and noted debt-service and bond-readiness steps.
The Houston ISD administration presented its recommended 2026–27 budget to the board on June 11 and scheduled the formal adoption vote for a special meeting on June 25.
Senior Executive Director of Budgeting Daniel Flores outlined revenue and expenditure assumptions: the district estimates roughly $1.99 billion in total revenue (local, state and federal sources) and proposed expenditures of about $2.015 billion, producing a small operating deficit. Including other financing sources, the administration projects a net change in fund balance near breakeven and a forecasted FY27 fund balance of approximately $729.5 million.
Flores cited preliminary property values of about $232.6 billion (April preliminary figures), noted debt-service projections and discussed an analysis showing per-pupil funding differences between NES (underserved) and EAS schools. The administration said the per-pupil gap narrowed from roughly $2,600 to about $2,200 per student in the coming budget and that most of the higher NES allocation is in salaries and supports (apprentices, learning coaches, wraparound staff).
The budget presentation also covered the district’s debt profile, refreshed bond ratings (Moody’s Aa and Standard & Poor’s AA+ were mentioned), and explained that large facility needs remain — the administration said earlier fiscal discipline and debt reduction steps were intended to position the district to pursue a future bond.
Board members asked technical questions about the timing of certified property values (July 25 certification expected) and collection rate assumptions. Superintendent Mike Miles framed the budget choices as a prioritization decision: “You put the money where the need is,” he said, adding that instruction-focused spending supported the district’s improvement goals.
Why it matters: The recommended budget will determine staffing, supports for NES campuses, facility work and debt service levels. The board will vote on the budget and hold a public hearing on the tax rate at a special meeting scheduled for June 25, 2026.
The board did not adopt the budget on June 11; a public meeting and vote are calendared for June 25.
