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Houston ISD Proposes $2.1 Billion Budget for 2025-26

Students engaging in a dynamic and healthy learning environment as part of Houston ISD's budget initiatives.

News Summary

The Houston Independent School District has drafted a $2.1 billion budget for the upcoming academic year. With a primary focus on health and education, the proposal addresses key areas such as safety improvements, expansion of pre-K programs, and enhancing teacher support. Although the budget faces a $33 million deficit, HISD aims to ensure student wellness and successful educational outcomes as it navigates future challenges.

Houston ISD Drafts $2.1 Billion Budget with Eye on Health and Education

In a bustling Houston, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) is stirring up discussions around its proposed budget for the 2025-26 academic year. During its second budget workshop on March 26, the district unveiled an ambitious budget plan totaling $2.1 billion, though it comes with a notable challenge—a projected deficit of approximately $33 million.

Health and Safety Take Center Stage

HISD is not just pouring numbers into its budget; it’s channeling funds towards key areas that matter for the well-being of students and staff. With an investment of $40 million specifically aimed at enhancing health and safety measures, the district is making a statement. Part of this plan includes significant improvements in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems across schools, ensuring that learning environments are as comfortable and healthy as possible.

Moreover, the district is keen on raising vaccination rates among students, setting a timeline that sees the initial phase of these health improvements completed by July 2026. Families can look forward to safer schools that prioritize health as part of a holistic educational experience.

Education Expansion and Enhancements

Education isn’t left behind either! HISD plans to add 800 new Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 seats, with the addition costing around $5 million. This expansion aims to get younger students into quality education earlier, making a significant impact on their future learning journeys.

To help keep the community informed, the budget also includes a line item of $2 million to kick off a new “HISD Now” YouTube broadcast channel. This platform will serve as a bridge, connecting educators, parents, and students, ensuring everyone is in the loop about what’s happening in the district.

Investment in Teacher Development

HISD is working on a new teacher evaluation and compensation system, with a budget allocation of $1 million for its development. This is particularly important as the number of uncertified teachers in the district has crept up from 12% to 19% over the last year. The district recognizes that supporting its teaching staff, especially for emergent bilingual students, is crucial for driving student success.

Furthermore, there is a commitment to ensuring that all school administrators are 100% T-TESS certified to effectively evaluate teachers, emphasizing the importance of robust teacher support and accountability.

Special Education and Compliance Improvements

When it comes to special education, HISD is focusing on improved compliance and instructional strategies, although specific funds have not yet been allocated for this purpose. The district intends to enhance its transportation department and guarantee that services for students with special needs are met with the utmost integrity and efficiency.

To top it all off, about $10 million is earmarked for cleaning up and optimizing district data systems, which should help streamline operations further. All these steps are part of HISD’s efforts to sharpen its focus on student outcomes—a commitment that has gained renewed attention since the state takeover that began in June 2023, following concerns regarding Wheatley High School.

Future Workshops and School Closures Consideration

HISD has a series of budget workshops lined up, with meetings scheduled for April 23, May 1, and May 22. The ultimate goal is to get this budget approved by June 12. As the board continues to review and discuss these plans, they will ensure that the voices of the community are heard throughout the process.

As the district navigates through enrollment declines, the possibility of closing an undetermined number of schools in the 2026-27 academic year is on the table. This decision highlights the need for HISD to make difficult choices to maintain a robust and effective educational landscape in Houston.