The Eanes Independent School District board of trustees spent Thursday, Oct. 20, examining four possible policies that would restrict out‑of‑district student transfers beginning with the 2027‑28 school year. The discussion came as the district, despite posting an $80,000 surplus in its 2026‑27 budget, anticipates ongoing shortfalls and a declining fund balance.

Current enrollment and financial picture

Eanes ISD currently serves 7,406 students, of which 614 are out‑of‑district transfers and 272 are children of district employees. Transfer students represent roughly 12 % of the total enrollment. In September, the board approved a one‑time staff payment for the 2026‑27 year, a move that will push the fund balance below the district’s 25 % target.

Four models under review

Chief Academic Officer Kimberly Dewrell explained that each model was built using current enrollment data, projected state funding per student, and staffing calculations. While the district has historically used transfers to bolster enrollment and finances, Dewrell cautioned that reducing transfers does not automatically generate savings.

• Charge tuition for out‑of‑district transfers. Under Texas Education Code provisions, districts may charge tuition equal to per‑student expenditures minus state funding. The proposal would require each transfer student (excluding employee children) to pay $20,000 annually. The district estimates $4 million in tuition revenue if 200 transfers remain, while also cutting 21 teaching positions, netting $1.37 million in savings. This model could lift the fund balance to 28.3 % by the end of 2027‑28. Dewrell noted the uncertainty of families’ willingness to pay and the need to assess access implications.
• Cap transfers at 7 % per grade level. This approach would limit the combined total of out‑of‑district and employee‑child transfers to 7 % of each grade’s enrollment. Assuming 220 transfer students stay and 18 teaching positions are eliminated, the district would see a $1.17 million net negative budget impact due to a $2.94 million revenue loss from 394 fewer transfer students.
• Eliminate all out‑of‑district transfers. The most drastic option would remove all 614 transfer students (excluding employee children) at the end of the current school year, along with a reduction of 27 teaching positions. Dewrell warned that grandfathering would not be permitted, meaning seniors and siblings would have to leave. The district would face a $2.82 million net negative impact, reflecting a $4.58 million loss in transfer revenue offset by $1.76 million in staff savings.
• Phase out transfers over time. Rather than an immediate exit, this model would stop accepting new transfers at the start of 2027‑28 and allow existing students to finish their current elementary, middle, or high school level before transitioning out. The plan includes a reduction of 24 teaching positions and would ultimately result in a $3.02 million net negative impact.

Next steps

After extensive discussion, the board voted to continue reviewing the 7 % enrollment cap at its next meeting on Nov. 17. General Counsel Audra Shakra Hipp clarified that this is only a first reading; the policy has not yet been adopted and may be amended in future sessions.

The district’s deliberations reflect a broader effort to balance fiscal responsibility with the educational choices of families who have long participated in the transfer program. As the board works toward a sustainable financial path, community input will be essential.

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