Bryan ISD Approves 2024-25 Fiscal Year Budget Amidst Statewide Economic Pressures
BRYAN, Texas – Following an exhaustive meeting on Monday, the Bryan ISD leaders approved the district’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year of 2024-2025. The budget reflects the district’s key priorities despite the ongoing statewide economic challenges.
Maintaining Per-Student Allotment
The budget maintains the per-student allotment of $6,160 from the state, a figure unchanged since 2019. This allotment is funded by local property taxes and state contributions, with the latter reducing as local property wealth increases.
Addressing Record Inflation and Budgetary Changes
The budget addresses record inflation and an end to the ESSER grants, while maintaining a static basic allotment. Increased provisions have been outlined for SPED therapeutic units and additional staffing needs. Moreover, a 3% inflation adjustment has been provisioned for non-payroll categories.
Cost Offset Strategies
In an effort to balance the budget, Bryan ISD has implemented various strategies such as leaving vacant administrative roles unfilled, reducing teaching positions through attrition, and cutting costs in areas like travel and energy conservation.
In addition, a new compensation plan offers a $1,000 sign-on bonus for new teachers, or $500 if starting in the second semester. This is complemented by retention stipends of 2% in September and December, and 1% in May, along with an additional 1% stipend added in May for employees below pay grade A6/T6.
Managing Deficit
Despite grappling with a $6.2 million deficit, the budget manages to secure a $47.3 million reserve fund balance, equivalent to 101 days of operational reserves. Board members favored options that maintained staff incentives and bonuses over those that would lead to a better balance.
Reactions to the Budget
Dr. Julie Harlan, Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President, underlined the importance of valuing employees for the sake ofs tudent success. Similarly, board member Leo Gonzalez II expressed gratitude for the fund balance, as it offers stability until state assistance is possible.
“Valuing our employees across the board, from teachers to everyone who is helping to ensure student success, is really important. We just can’t make the long-term commitment because we don’t know what’s gonna happen. So the way we’re trying to manage that is through these bonuses,” stated Dr. Julie Harlan.
“I don’t think any of us like having a negative budget, but it’s the best scenario and a good thing. We have a great fund balance to be able to do that until the state hopefully helps us out a little bit. So thank you again,” added Leo Gonzalez II.
Public Hearing and Final Decision
During the public hearing on Monday, citizens did not comment on the proposed budget. The unanimous approval by the school board further cemented the district’s budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.