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Keller ISD previews tight $348 million 2025–26 budget amid mixed HB2 gains
Summary
Keller ISD staff told the board June 12 they expect roughly $11 million in new state allocations tied to House Bill 2 but only about $100,000 in discretionary funds, leaving a proposed $348,000,318 balanced budget that administrators warned will require amendments as TEA issues clarifying guidance.
Keller ISD officials on Thursday presented a proposed 2025–26 budget of $348,000,318 and warned trustees the numbers are tight as the district adapts to changes in state school‑funding legislation known as House Bill 2.
"We received about $11,000,000," finance director John Yu said, describing roughly $11 million in additional allocations under HB2 but noting only about $100,000 is discretionary. He added that the proposed budget is conservative and that "there will be some budget amendments" as the Texas Education Agency issues further guidance. Superintendent Dr. Wilson said HB2 "does very little to offset inflationary costs" even though the teacher compensation allocation was helpful.
Administrators walked trustees through the formula changes and highlighted key buckets: a $55 increase in the basic allotment, fixed‑cost allotments and specialized allocations for teacher pay, special education and early learning. Yu told the board that parts of the package are effectively reallocated funds rather than brand‑new money and that the district must continue to monitor hold‑harmless guidance and certified appraisal rolls that affect tax‑rate calculations.
The presentation spelled out several specific impacts administrators flagged for ongoing attention: potential revenue swings tied to the implementation of the homestead exemption, uncertainty about when and how special‑education intensity funding will be paid, and the prospect that teacher‑pay allocations will not cover related benefits costs. Yu briefed trustees that the district expects to receive a modest surplus under current assumptions—about $150,000—but cautioned that the figure is sensitive to TEA clarifications and enrollment declines.
The board is scheduled to consider the budget for adoption at a special meeting on June 26; administrators said they expect additional adjustments between now and then and across the fall as state guidance is finalized.
