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Northwest ISD superintendent briefs council: rapid growth, $15.8M deficit and ballot item to ask voters for three cents
Summary
Northwest ISD Superintendent Dr. Faust told the council enrollment has topped 32,000, outlined major construction tied to a 2023 bond including Middle School No. 8 in Northlake, and said a proposed three‑cent voter‑approved M&O increase would raise about $16M annually and close a $15.8M budget gap.
Dr. Faust, superintendent of Northwest Independent School District, told the Northlake Town Council the district is experiencing fast growth (more than 32,000 students) and is executing bond projects to add capacity, including Middle School No. 8 in Northlake targeted to open in 2026.
On district finances, Faust said Northwest ISD adopted a deficit budget last year and faces a $15.8 million deficit in the current cycle. To address recurring operating shortfalls, the district proposes a voter‑approved maintenance and operations (M&O) tax increase of three cents — an election item Faust described as intended to preserve current programs and teacher pay. He estimated the three‑cent proposal would raise about $16 million annually and, if approved, would make the budget whole this cycle: "If the VADER passes in November, that actually makes our budget whole this budget cycle," Faust said.
Faust explained that bond proceeds and voter‑approved M&O revenue are distinct: bond funds pay for capital projects, not salaries or day‑to‑day operations. He also noted the complicating effect of the state's recapture ("Robin Hood") formula and said Northwest ISD has returned more than $50 million to the state over the last four years. A councilor noted state funds remain undistributed and Faust agreed the timing and allocation of state dollars has contributed to local funding pressures.
Council members and the superintendent discussed outreach and transparent explanations for voters; Faust asked council members to direct resident questions to the district so staff can respond with clear information.
