College Station ISD adopts 2026–27 budget showing $8.3 million general‑fund deficit; trustees approve 3% pay increase

College Station ISD trustees on Tuesday adopted the district’s 2026–27 general fund, food service and debt service budgets following a public hearing in which staff outlined the assumptions behind a projected $8.3 million general‑fund deficit. The board approved the budgets unanimously, 7–0.

At a workshop presentation preceding the vote, District finance staff said the district expects a drop in enrollment funding — using both a snapshot and average daily attendance measures — that reduces state revenue by about $2.0 million and contributes to the deficit. The presentation also factored in a planned 3% compensation increase and an additional $1.0 million in the teacher incentive allotment.

“So when you look at the budget, you’re gonna see a deficit budget of $8,300,000,” said Miss Wilson, the district presenter. She told trustees that $2,000,000 of that amount is for roof repairs already committed in a prior year and that staff will uncommit and roll those funds into unassigned fund balance at a future meeting.

Wilson described a separate estimated $300,000 facility allotment tied to opening a new career and technical education facility and said CTE students carry higher funding weights that partially offset declines. She also warned trustees that preliminary taxable‑value growth (7%) will be trimmed as appraisal review board adjustments are finalized; staff used a planning estimate of roughly 3.9% for tax‑rate work until certifications are complete.

On food service, Wilson said federal supply‑chain grants that helped keep meal prices low have ended and staff recommended a 25¢ increase in the student lunch price. She described the food‑service budget as balanced despite the loss of grant support.

Wilson said the district’s compensation costs will rise by about $4.6 million overall, pushing compensation to roughly 83.7% of the operating budget once higher substitute pay, extra‑duty stipends and new CTE staffing are included.

Trustees asked for clarifications about the comparison baseline (amended budget vs. original appropriations), reclassifications of instructional coaches between functions and how contingency releases and position coding affect year‑over‑year comparisons. Wilson said those adjustments reflect position‑coding corrections and the roll forward of some commitments tied to the fiscal‑year change.

The board voted to adopt the budgets as presented. The motion passed 7–0. The district will continue monitoring enrollment, certification of taxable values and potential refinancing options for outstanding debt, which staff said could affect the district’s tax‑rate planning.

What’s next: staff will bring any refinancing proposals and final tax‑rate calculations to the board in July and will adjust the budget as final figures are certified.