Richardson Independent School District (RISD) has approved a budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 that includes a $20.8 million shortfall. Despite financial challenges, the district has prioritized salary increases for teachers and staff, reflecting its commitment to education quality. The budget also involves $25.7 million in cuts, primarily through staff reductions and changes to secondary school schedules.
Budget Details
The district anticipates $403.8 million in revenue against $427.7 million in expenditures, alongside $5.85 million in recapture costs, which involve transferring a portion of local tax revenue to the state. Assistant Superintendent David Pate highlighted that the general fund is largely dependent on student numbers, which have been declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, with projections showing a further decrease of approximately 400 students annually.
RISD is not alone in facing these financial hurdles, as districts across Texas report similar budget shortfalls and enrollment declines due to limited state support. The board plans to set a new tax rate in September, with an estimated increase from $1.1052 to $1.1452, driven by the district’s 2025 bond passage.
Expenditure and Cuts
The budget includes $700,000 in new expenditures, such as a $200,000 marketing campaign to boost enrollment and $273,000 for additional special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Other minor increases cover phone bills, insurance, UIL fees, fine arts supplies, and an additional district crossing guard.
To address the shortfall, RISD approved $25.7 million in budget cuts, including the elimination of 95 full-time central office and campus support positions and reductions in food, travel, and non-payroll expenses. The district will also revert to a traditional schedule in secondary schools, ending the block scheduling system.
Additional Budget Approvals
The board also approved budgets for the child nutrition fund and the debt service fund. The child nutrition fund, which covers school meals, will see staff raises but no changes to the free and reduced lunch program or meal prices. The debt service fund is projected to have a shortfall, but revisions are expected in the fall.
Future Challenges
Superintendent Tabitha Branum noted that RISD has been working to find budget efficiencies for several years, reducing expenditures by nearly $42 million over three years. However, further cuts of $20 million are anticipated to move closer to a balanced budget. The board will adopt the new tax rate in September.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.
