Discussion Regarding Various Options to Increase Revenue in the Maintenance and Operation Budget for the 2026-2027 School Year Presenter: Rick Kirkpatrick/Eric Banfield Description: As we are working through the budget building process for the 2026-2027 school year, it appears that we will once again be facing a budget deficit in FISD. This deficit is likely to occur even if no raises are offered

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

VI.B. Discussion Regarding Various Options to Increase Revenue in the Maintenance and Operation Budget for the 2026-2027 School Year Presenter: Rick Kirkpatrick/Eric Banfield Description: As we are working through the budget building process for the 2026-2027 school year, it appears that we will once again be facing a budget deficit in FISD. This deficit is likely to occur even if no raises are offered to staff and any raises offered would only increase the deficit. Mr. Kirkpatrick will discuss the options being considered to increase revenue in the Maintenance and Operation (M&O) budget. Items to be discussed include: 1. Holding a Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election in November. Currently, FISD does not capture 3.3 Copper Pennies that we are eligible to collect under state law. Conservatively, if the voters approve a VATRE, it would generate an additional $250,000-$300,000 in M&O revenue. 2. Use the M&O Fund Balance to pay off the 2015 Maintenance Tax Note. Doing so would allow us to keep $200,000 in the M&O budget that currently goes toward the annual payment of the note. 3. Allow homeschool students to participate in CTE, UIL Activities, and certain courses. Under current law, the district would receive $1500 per student per activity from the state. As vouchers are now a reality in Texas, it is expected that more students will opt for homeschooling. By offering the courses and activities that are not typically offered in the homeschool curriculums, we could keep these students connected to the school and generate additional revenue.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.8/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).