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Keller ISD previews 2026–27 budget; technology replacement likely to be a major ask
Summary
Administration previewed initial 2026–27 assumptions — flat revenue, projected student declines and a roughly $6.7 million immediate revenue shortfall — and warned that replacing an end‑of‑life iPad fleet (85–90% technically end‑of‑life) and old staff laptops will be a significant near‑term cost.
District finance and technology staff presented a first look at assumptions for the 2026–27 budget and highlighted several large expense pressures.
Doctor Allison said the administration began budget planning on the conservative assumption of no new state or federal revenue and flat tax growth; the district also modeled a loss of roughly 83 students for budgeting purposes and an initial funding gap of about $6.7 million tied to the student basic allotment. "Knowing that we've got to balance a budget, we're going to have to find 6.7 just right off the bat," a staff member explained.
IT staff reported that an estimated 85–90% of the district iPad fleet is technically end of life and will not meet state testing specifications next year; many staff devices are seven to nine years old. "The about 85 to 90% of our iPad fleet is technically end of life," the IT director said. Staff said they are gathering final quotes and expect to provide rough costs within weeks and that lead time and rising hardware prices may push the purchases into the next fiscal year. Administration said replacing devices would likely be a separate purchase/lease approval and, if approved, would be charged to next year's budget since delivery and payment timing fall in the following fiscal year.
Trustees asked whether leases, purchases or a bond are the right mechanism; staff said iPad replacement likely cannot be delayed until a bond and that a leasing/replacement cycle is under consideration to smooth annual costs. No votes were taken; board members asked staff to return with firm cost estimates and options.
