Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
After nearly three hours of public comment and prolonged debate, the Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted 6–1 to 'proceed as discussed in closed session' on action related to Superintendent Milton Fields and separately authorized board officers to engage outside legal counsel.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
Multiple parents, students and educators told the board that cutting the Wortham Oaks Spanish immersion program would risk enrollment-based funding and community trust; several speakers offered alternatives including modest program fees, scholarships and targeted fundraising to sustain the program.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
Trustees approved District of Innovation exemptions affecting grievance procedures in a 4'3 vote, drawing heated questions about filing timelines and open-session hearings; later the board postponed a major corrective-action budget (CAPA) until January after members raised concerns about late posting, the size of proposed cuts and the need for additional workshops.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
At a required public hearing, Judson ISD presented the Texas Education Agency'aligned Schools First financial report and announced a superior "A" rating for fiscal 2023'24; the board discussed key audit indicators and answered trustees' questions about potential impacts of a lower score on borrowing and refinancing.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
Multiple parents and program representatives asked the Judson ISD board to keep the Wortham Oaks Spanish immersion program, request grandfathering for current students, and provide a clear cost-benefit analysis before any elimination; speakers warned of enrollment loss and cited a five-year program commitment.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
Trustees adjourned to closed session under Texas law for TASB training and to review a financial-solvency packet that arrived hours before the meeting; the board reconvened later and reported no final action was taken.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
The finance committee highlighted a board‑level growth and planning workshop where the superintendent will present data on potential school consolidations and projected cost savings. Committee members raised concerns about facility condition, HVAC needs, and teacher displacement.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
Judson ISD finance committee members were told the district faces an approximate $30.1 million shortfall for the coming fiscal year and that, to meet a common payroll benchmark, the district may need to reduce roughly 500 positions (±75). Superintendent recommendations are proposals only and no personnel actions have been taken.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
Committee discussion emphasized maintaining a fund balance (reserve) of at least 60 days to avoid rating penalties, noted ratings agency scrutiny, and reported a recent bond refinancing expected to yield about $9 million in interest savings.
Texas / School Districts / JUDSON ISD
District staff presented budget parameters and CAPA proposals Dec. 10, estimating $16.8 million in year‑one reductions and identifying an additional ~$11.9 million needed next year; staff also requested a $4.5 million amendment to cover projected health‑insurance run‑out.