District faces multimillion-dollar gap
Eanes ISD trustees are continuing discussions on how to address a projected budget shortfall of more than $6 million for the 2026–27 school year. During a Jan. 13 meeting, district administrators presented updated budget optimization options that could reduce the gap in the coming year and help stabilize finances beyond it.
District officials said conversations around budget reductions began in the fall and included feedback from a community survey focused on minimizing impacts to students.
Revenue and staffing changes under consideration
Chief Financial Officer Chris Scott outlined several potential actions that could generate savings. Local revenue increases could provide about $500,000 through steps such as expanding facility rentals, adjusting rental fees, launching a virtual academy for online classes beginning this summer, and increasing out-of-district transfers for grades 6–12. The district’s goal is to add at least 30 transfer students beyond the current baseline.
Some trustees also raised questions about future revenue potential tied to district property, including Valley View Elementary, though no specific figures beyond those already included were discussed.
Staffing optimization represents the largest potential source of savings, estimated between $3.2 million and $4.3 million. District leaders described the approach as a combination of reductions in non-campus-based central administration staff and campus-based paraprofessionals, along with attrition through retirements and resignations.
While no student programs would be eliminated, the changes would affect classroom structures. Proposed staffing ratios would shift to 1-to-23 in third grade, 1-to-24 in fourth grade, and 1-to-25 in fifth grade. Secondary schools would also see larger class sizes, with many approaching 30 students, and impacts to elective scheduling.
Salary decisions and tax election options
Freezing salaries and reducing raises could save up to $1.6 million. District officials noted that Eanes ISD salaries are currently about $3,000 to $5,000 lower than those in 12 comparable districts.
Trustees also discussed the possibility of a voter-approval tax rate election. A VATRE could generate $20 million in additional tax revenue, though the district would retain about $3.8 million, with more than $16 million sent to the state through recapture.
Four budget packages on the table
Administrators presented four potential budget packages that could result in savings ranging from $4.5 million to $8.6 million for 2026–27. The options combine varying levels of revenue increases, staffing changes, salary decisions, and potential VATRE scenarios. District leadership said the fourth package is currently the only option likely to prevent further budget adjustments in 2027–28.
Trustees are expected to continue discussing the packages and could vote on a path forward at their Jan. 27 meeting.
However the board proceeds, the focus remains on balancing financial reality with preserving the experience families expect from Eanes ISD.
