Bryan ISD approves 2024-25 fiscal year budget

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) -Bryan ISD leaders met on Monday to approve the district’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting priorities despite statewide economic pressures.

The budget maintains the per-student allotment of $6,160 from the state, unchanged since 2019, funded by local property taxes and state contributions, with the latter decreasing as local property wealth increases.

The budget addresses record inflation, the end of the ESSER grants, and a static basic allotment, outlining increases for SPED therapeutic units and additional staffing needs, along with a 3% inflation adjustment for non-payroll categories.

To offset costs, Bryan ISD implemented strategies like leaving vacant administrative roles unfilled, reducing teaching positions through attrition, and trimming expenses in travel and energy conservation. A new compensation plan offers a $1,000 sign-on bonus for new teachers, or $500 if starting in the second semester, alongside retention stipends of 2% in September and December, and 1% in May, with an additional 1% stipend added in May for employees below pay grade A6/T6. Despite a $6.2 million deficit, the budget secures a $47.3 million reserve fund balance, equivalent to 101 days of operational reserves.

During discussions, board members favored options that maintained staff incentives and bonuses over those that would lead to a more balanced budget. Dr. Julie Harlan, Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President, emphasized the importance of valuing employees to ensure student success. Leo Gonzalez II, another board member, expressed gratitude for the fund balance, despite the deficit, as it provides stability until state assistance is possible.

Officials acknowledge the $6.2 million deficit may sound bad, but they are unwilling to cut staff incentives and bonuses to balance the budget.

“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,” said Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Dr. Julie Harlan.

“You know, I don’t think any of us like having a negative budget, but it’s, it’s, I think, 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,” said Bryan ISD Board of Trustees Leo Gonzalez II.

During Monday’s public hearing, citizens did not comment on the proposed budget, which received unanimous approval from the school board.