JISD talks 2025-26 budget concerns

Staff Reports

Jefferson ISD School Board members discussed concerns over state and federal funding changes for the 2025-26 school budget during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Using preliminary property tax values, the District is projecting a $1.2 million increase in revenues, but the potential loss of several federal and state funds, could impact a number of programs.

JISD’s Chief Financial Officer Mike Wood indicated there’s the potential for almost $1 million loss in federal funds. The ACE after school program could be affected. The program is operated through a $280,000 grant.

Some grant funding is scheduled to end this  year, the LASO, Safe Cycle 2, and ESF Focused Support grants for example. These account for $804,000.

Wood said he was just making the board aware of the potential impact as final decisions had not been made yet on continued funding. 

Wood also said he was still working on the expense side of the 2025-26 budget and trying to add in the legislative changes. 

Payroll is one of those calculations he was still working on. Teachers are set to receive a $2,500-8,000 raise based on experience and district size. However, some staff categories were left out of that bill, so raises for those employees have to be found.

The district is just beginning the budget cycle, which must be completed by August 31, but Wood said he felt the district would be “OK” this year.

In other matters, the board approved Karen Jones to calculate the tax rate; joined a new purchasing co-op; two new innovative curriculum courses at the high school; and a resolution requiring enrollment at JISD for UIL participation.