FABENS ISD budget plan calls for program and stipend cuts amid declining enrollment

Silvia Nunez, FABENS ISD Director of Finance, presented the proposed 2026'27 district budget and outlined several cost-saving steps intended to address declining enrollment and tax compression. Key budget adjustments include a 10% reduction in program intent codes, a 25% reduction in local intent codes, reductions in stipend amounts and tighter controls on stipend payouts, a dedicated substitute budget for campuses, discontinuation of district-funded non-UIL travel, prior-approval requirements for reimbursements, reduced districtwide meal purchases and a requirement that competitive quotes be obtained for purchases.

Nunez told the Board she is awaiting final figures from the Central Appraisal District and that a tax rate will be presented for approval at a future board meeting once those numbers are final. Board members asked questions about the operational impact of the reductions and the assumptions behind enrollment and staffing projections; the workshop record notes administrators answered those questions but contains no recorded votes on the budget at this workshop.