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Schertz‑Cibolo‑Universal City ISD projects multimillion‑dollar shortfall and outlines options including tax election
Summary
District officials told trustees the 2026–27 recommended budget assumes $153.6 million in revenue without a voter‑approved tax measure, leaving an adopted deficit of about $15.3 million (forecasted actual shortfall about $7.6 million). Staff presented cuts, operational adjustments and the option to call a voter tax election (tier‑2 pennies) to close the gap.
The Schertz‑Cibolo‑Universal City Independent School District on Monday walked trustees through a budget package that would leave the district with a substantial shortfall unless voters approve additional tax revenue.
Mr. Moy, the district presenter, told the board the administration is proposing a 2026–27 revenue budget of $153,600,000 if the district does not call a voter tax election. "So we are proposing a revenue budget of 153,600,000," Mr. Moy said while reviewing revenue scenarios. He said that if the board calls an election and voters approve the proposed tier‑2 tax pennies, revenue could rise by roughly $14.5–$15 million and move the district into a projected $7 million surplus.
The presentations and committee work framed the district's options: cut operating and program expenses, reduce positions or ask the community to approve additional local tax revenue. District materials presented by the Operational Sustainability Committee showed about $6 million in operational adjustments already identified and an additional $1.7 million in administrative efficiencies, with initial recommendations to reduce roughly 15 campus‑based positions (about 1% of campus staff) and 10 non‑campus administrative positions (about 3% of that group). Administrators said these two sets of reductions account for approximately $1.6 million of the package.
Officials emphasized the tradeoffs. Mr. Moy and board members noted that salaries and benefits are increasing and that some cuts—such as reducing instructional coaches, larger class sizes, phasing out elements of the International Baccalaureate program, or converting security contracts—would have consequential effects on staffing and programs. "The district is already operating very lean," one presenter said, urging trustees to weigh both savings and student impact.
The district projects a potential adopted deficit of about $15.3 million under the recommended budget assumptions; administration estimates the likely fiscal outcome without additional local revenue would be nearer $7.6 million, which would reduce the general fund balance to roughly 19% (about 70 days of operation) below the district's 25% (90 days) policy target. Administrators said they will monitor revenue and bring monthly updates to the board and would return to the board with specific budget amendments if a tax election is called and passes.
The board discussed procedural next steps: adopting the budget and tax rate by August 17 would trigger an election; the district listed an illustrative November election date of Nov. 3 with final canvass by Nov. 14. Trustees asked staff for additional detail on the spending areas and potential impacts; staff said earlier votes and required public notices will follow the board’s decisions.
No final decisions on a tax election or specific program eliminations were made at the meeting; trustees adjourned after completing the budget workshop portion of the agenda.
The district plans to return policy items and the compliance professional development list for board action in upcoming meetings.
