Southwest ISD Reviews Budget Options, Enrollment Forecast and Teacher Recruitment Steps

Board members received a detailed budget update and related workforce information as district staff laid out assumptions and next steps for the 2026–27 budget.

Scott and finance staff presented a draft general‑fund model built on tentative revenue of roughly $184–185 million and payroll that remains the largest expense (about 82% of the budget). Under the draft assumptions and a salary freeze in the baseline, the district’s preliminary expense projection was about $189 million, producing a projected shortfall near $4.4 million for the coming year; staff said the projected ending fund balance would remain above the board‑approved four‑month guideline after accounting for statutory reserves but that continued monitoring was required.

HR and recruiting topics were presented alongside budget planning. The district reported about 15 teacher vacancies in priority subjects and announced a new pilot partnership with Teach for America to recruit, train and coach early‑career teachers; the district will pay $5,000 per recruited teacher for TFA training and coaching and expects to pilot one core member this year. Staff also summarized the TASBY employee survey (81% participation): top satisfaction drivers were compensation/benefits, respectful treatment and meaningful work; the superintendent noted modest improvements in communication metrics.

Finance staff said they will return with updated drafts after certified property values are posted and additional revenue projections are finalized, and they scheduled further budget work sessions in July with tax‑rate adoption planned for August.