Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forney ISD board adopts 2026–27 budget and approves employee compensation plan
Summary
After a public hearing, the Forney ISD Board of Trustees voted to adopt the 2026–27 budget — a roughly $330.3 million expenditure plan — and approved a compensation package that raises salary midpoints by 2% and budgets retention and high-need stipends.
The Forney ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the district’s 2026–27 budget and to approve an accompanying employee compensation plan after a public hearing and presentation by John Chase, the district’s associate superintendent for business and finance.
Chase told the board the budget process began in December and intensified in January, and that the district projects 4.8% enrollment growth — about 948 students — in the coming year. “We projected an enrollment estimate of 4.8% which is about 948 students,” Chase said, calling that the key driver of general‑fund revenue.
The combined budget totals were described as roughly $335 million in estimated revenue and about $330 million in appropriations, with the general fund comprising the largest share of spending. Chase said payroll accounts for the majority of general‑fund expenditures and that approximately 82% of the general‑fund budget is devoted to salaries.
The compensation plan approved by the board adjusts salary‑schedule midpoints by 2% and implements targeted pay for high‑need teaching positions. Chase summarized pay changes already adopted for teachers, saying teacher increases average about 3.3% and other staff are budgeted for roughly 3%. He also said the budget includes about $1.5 million earmarked for retention pay that will be awarded after fall enrollment is verified. “We have a million and a half in the budget to pay for that,” Chase said.
Chase detailed other budget elements, including a $1 million allocation for network upgrades (primarily switches), reduced student Chromebook purchases this year with staff device replacements planned, and modest capital and vehicle purchases relative to the prior year. On the debt service side, he said property taxes and interest income drive most revenue and noted an August principal-and-interest payment of about $36 million.
Board members thanked staff for the work preparing the budget. Dr. Cherry commended the administration and the community, saying balanced budgets are uncommon in the current environment and praising the local support that made the outcome possible. The board then moved, seconded and voted to approve the budget “as presented”; all members indicated assent during the roll call.
The approved compensation plan reflects the midpoint adjustments, retention funding and high‑need stipends described by staff; the board also approved a multi‑item consent agenda that included routine personnel, contracts and operational items.
The board announced district offices will close for the Independence Day holiday, set a board meeting for Monday, August 10, and adjourned at about 6:32 p.m.
