Pay increases also authorized
The Boerne Independent School District approved a budget Monday that includes 2% and 3.4% pay raises for most staff members and offers no-cost prekindergarten service to all full-time employees.
The financial forecast, presented by Chief Financial Officer Wesley Scott, shows budgeted revenue of $120,918,768 for the coming fiscal year.
Expenditures — including budget incentives, compensation and four additional full-time employees for program growth — on top of the amended recurring budget of $119,008,443, produced a deficit budget of $123,300,889, presenting the district with a projected deficit of $2,382,121.
However, Scott showed the board a graphic from the district’s previous three budgets, adopted in June 2022, 2023 and 2024, each with a projected deficit that ended the year with a surplus:
• 2022-23, $1,072,007 deficit; ending with a $4,930,133 surplus.
• 2023-24, $1,737,172 deficit; ending with a $277,773 surplus.
• 2024-25, $5,217,310 deficit; ending with a $3,664,684 surplus.
The district is moving in the right direction, officials said following Monday’s session.
“Over the past two years, Boerne ISD has made a deliberate commitment to invest in the people who serve students every day,” according to a news release from the district Tuesday. “From increasing teacher salaries and hourly wages to expanding healthcare contributions, adding employee stipends and creating new opportunities for families, district leaders have worked to ensure employees feel valued, supported and empowered to build long-term careers in Boerne ISD.”
The projected 2026-27 budget was structured assuming an enrollment of 11,179 students, with average daily attendance at 10,530 based on a projected 95.5% attendance rate.
Disbursements from the state are based on average daily attendance figures.
Meanwhile, a tax rate of nearly 99 cents per $100 of average property value stems from a maintenance and operations tax rate of almost 68 cents and an interest and sinking (debt balance) rate of slightly more than 31 cents.
The $0.9895 rate is a tax decrease of about 2.14 cents before house and commercial property value increases are taken into consideration.
In addition, the district approved its 2026-27 compensation plan, bringing raises to most employment groups. Teachers, nurses, librarians and instructional coaches in Steps 5 through 40 will receive salary increases of 3.4 percent or more over the prior year.
Texas law directs a state minimum salary plan that establishes base pay “steps” assigned according to an educator’s total years of accredited service.
Employees in Steps 1 through 4 will receive a 2 percent increase over the prior year. All other employee groups will also receive a 2 percent pay hike over the last year.
The newly approved compensation plan continues a commitment to the staff, district leaders said.
“Attracting and retaining exceptional employees will always be one of our highest priorities,” Superintendent Kristin Craft said. “Every success we celebrate as a district begins with the people who serve our students. This plan reflects our belief that investing in our staff is one of the most important investments we can make.”
Board President Courtney Darter-Bruce said the compensation plan reflects the district’s ongoing dedication to both employees and students.
“Our employees make Boerne ISD special,” Darter- Bruce said. “Every day, they invest their talents, energy and hearts into serving students. The board is proud to continue investing in the people who make our schools exceptional.”
District officials also elaborated on the expanded preschool care package offered to employees.
Last year, state House Bill 2 eliminated prekindergarten tuition for the children of classroom teachers. Beginning in 2026-27, Boerne ISD will extend that benefit to all full-time employees.
Eligible employees may enroll qualifying children in Boerne ISD Pre-K at no cost, pending available space, creating a savings of $675 per month, officials said.
“Supporting employees means looking beyond salary schedules,” Craft said. “We know our employees are also parents, caregivers and community members. Expanding access to pre-K is another way we can support families while helping employees thrive both professionally and personally.”
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