The Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD) has adopted its 2026-27 budget, opting for a plan that does not include a compensation increase for staff. This decision was made to ensure the district’s financial stability, given the uncertainty surrounding the sale of a piece of district land, which has not yet been finalized.

Budget Details

The adopted budget, known as Option 1, projects a surplus of approximately $1.6 million. It includes $169.2 million in revenues and $167.6 million in expenditures for the general fund. The debt service budget is expected to have a surplus of $676,762, while the child nutrition fund is projected to have a surplus of $110,203.

However, some trustees expressed concerns about not providing a staff increase, citing the importance of supporting district employees. The board will reconsider a compensation plan at its August 18 meeting, potentially including a one-time payment for eligible staff.

Financial Considerations

The decision to postpone raises is largely driven by the need to maintain a healthy fund balance. Under the adopted budget, Eanes ISD’s fund balance is projected to be 25.7% in 2026-27, just above the district’s 25% target. However, the balance is expected to decrease to 23.6% in 2027-28 and 19.8% in 2028-29.

Trustee John Troy emphasized the importance of stability for staff, noting that eating into the fund balance could put employees’ jobs at risk. The board aims to ensure financial stability to support its employees and the district’s operations.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.