PIISD approves budget, employee raises for 2026-27
By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The Point Isabel Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a balanced budget and compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year during its June 16 meeting, allowing the district to provide salary increases to employees while maintaining a balanced financial outlook.
During a public hearing held prior to the regular meeting, district officials presented a proposed budget totaling approximately $54 million across the district’s general, food service and debt service funds. Chief Financial Officer Christy Gonzalez told board members the district was able to match projected revenues and expenditures despite financial challenges facing school districts across Texas.
District leaders noted that many Texas school districts are currently operating with deficit budgets due to declining enrollment and the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds.
“We are proposing a balanced budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year,” Gonzalez told the board. “We had enough revenue coming in to balance our expenditures.”
According to district officials, the largest expenditure in the budget is the district’s recapture payment to the State of Texas, estimated at approximately $22 million. Instructional costs, including teacher salaries and classroom expenses, represent the next largest expenditure category.
Board members also discussed educating taxpayers about how local property tax revenue is distributed under the state’s school finance system. Officials noted that while most district revenue comes from local property taxes, a significant portion is subject to recapture and does not remain within the district.
The board unanimously approved a compensation plan that includes raises for all employee groups. Teachers will receive increases aligned with House Bill 2 requirements, while administrators will receive a 2% increase from midpoint plus adjustments. Clerical and auxiliary employees will receive 4% increases from midpoint plus adjustments.
As part of the compensation package, trustees also approved a new $1,000 annual retention and safety stipend for eligible school bus drivers. To qualify, drivers must complete the school year, maintain required certifications, avoid preventable accidents and safety violations, and meet attendance requirements.
Superintendent Dr. Theresa Capistran praised district staff for developing a balanced budget while continuing to invest in employees.
“We’re extremely proud of the work that we are able to present today,” Capistran said, noting that many districts across the state are facing financial difficulties.
During the meeting, trustees also received updates on federal grant applications, the district’s School Health Advisory Council initiatives, and approved several additional items, including the district’s budget, the UT OnRamps agreement for dual-credit opportunities, and continuation of the STEP program, which provides flexible scheduling options for at-risk students working toward graduation.
In other business, South Padre Island Police Chief Claudino Carroll thanked the district for its support of the recent Texas Police Games, which brought more than 1,000 participants to the area and utilized several district facilities for competitions. Carroll presented district officials with a certificate of appreciation recognizing their partnership during the event.
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