The Hays CISD board of trustees has approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which includes $275.42 million in expenditures and $287.68 million in revenues, resulting in a surplus budget.

Breakdown of the Budget

The largest expenditure by function is instruction, at $159.59 million, a $5.33 million decrease from last year. According to Chief Financial Officer Deborah Ottmers, payroll is the largest part of the expenditures at 85%.

The general operating budget also includes $28.02 million for plant maintenance, $13.89 million for school leadership, $12.98 million for pupil transportation, and $10.29 million in general administration.

Tax Rate and Projections

The proposed tax rate for FY 2026-27 is $1.1546 per $100 of valuation, which is unchanged from the previous rate. This includes a maintenance and operations rate of $0.6669 and an interest and sinking rate of $0.4877.

Although the district is not proposing to change the tax rate, homeowners may pay less in school district taxes due to decreased home values. A homeowner of a property with a median taxable value of $182,110 could expect to pay roughly $2,103 in taxes, about an $80 decrease from FY 2025-26.

Background and Future Plans

HCISD had asked voters to approve a higher tax rate last November to support district operations, but the increase was rejected. The district then announced over $12 million in budget cuts in March, including the loss of 125 positions and the suspension of 970 stipends.

The district will add $12.25 million to the fund balance each year for the next five years. By 2031, the district anticipates rebuilding the fund balance to $90.14 million.

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