he Van Alstyne ISD Board of Trustees met Thursday evening for its annual Budget Workshop, where trustees reviewed the proposed 2026-2027 budget ahead of formal adoption later this month.
The workshop provided an in-depth look at district finances, projected enrollment, staffing needs, state funding, employee compensation and upcoming capital projects. No action was taken to adopt the budget during the workshop. Budget adoption and the public hearing on the proposed tax rate are scheduled for the Board's August 17 meeting.
Preparing for Continued Growth
District leaders shared that enrollment has grown from approximately 1,800 students during the 2019-2020 school year to roughly 3,100 students entering the 2026-2027 school year. The budget is built around continued enrollment growth, particularly with the opening of Charles and Beth Williams Elementary School.
Opening the district's newest elementary campus is expected to add approximately $3.66 million to the operating budget, primarily through additional staffing, utilities and campus operations. District administrators noted that additional classroom teachers could still be added after school begins if enrollment exceeds current projections.
Investing in Students and Staff
Much of the discussion centered around maintaining small class sizes while remaining competitive in recruiting and retaining employees.
The proposed budget includes salary increases for teachers and other staff while continuing district-funded benefits such as health insurance contributions, retention stipends, telehealth services and life insurance. District leaders emphasized that these investments remain a priority despite continued financial pressures.
Budget Highlights
Among the major points discussed during the workshop:
- Approximately 83% of the district's operating budget supports personnel.
- The proposed maintenance and operations budget represents an 8.76% increase over last year, largely due to staffing and the opening of Williams Elementary.
- Several planned capital purchases, including buses and certain facility improvement projects, were deferred for one year to help balance the budget while preserving flexibility.
State Funding Challenges
Administrators also reviewed several areas where state funding does not fully cover district expenses, including student transportation, school safety, special education, bilingual education, gifted and talented services and dyslexia programming.
District officials explained that, while state funding supports these programs, local dollars continue to make up a significant portion of their actual operating costs.
Looking Ahead
The Board also received updates on ongoing construction projects, including the high school auditorium, additional high school classrooms and the future indoor practice facility. Trustees discussed preparations for the district's next bond sale, which is anticipated later this fall.
The proposed budget and tax rate will be presented for public hearing and formal consideration during the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, August 17.