Stafford's City Council and SMSD Board of Trustees convened on February 6, 2025, to address pressing financial needs following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. A key focus of the meeting was the district's urgent requirement for $5 million to repair air conditioning systems and other infrastructure, which had been severely impacted by the storm. This funding is critical to ensure schools can open on time and to facilitate the purchase of new buses expected to arrive in March.

The discussion revealed that Stafford has the capacity to borrow up to $80 million without imposing additional tax burdens on residents. However, officials acknowledged that this amount would not cover all necessary projects. To fully address the district's needs, a total of approximately $125 million would be required, which would encompass nearly all proposed projects, leaving only a couple of items unfunded.

Mr. Greer, a financial consultant, presented a detailed analysis of the district's bond market scenarios, highlighting the historical context of Stafford's bond sales. Since the last bond issue, property values in Stafford have doubled, increasing from $2 billion to over $4 billion. This growth, while beneficial, has also led to inflationary pressures that complicate funding efforts.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency, with officials encouraging community members to review financial documents and engage in discussions about the district's fiscal strategies. The board emphasized that the current debt of $94 million is strictly allocated for capital expenses and cannot be used for operational costs, such as teacher salaries.

As the district navigates these financial challenges, the board is committed to exploring all options to secure the necessary funding while maintaining a stable tax rate for residents, particularly for those aged 65 and over, whose taxes are frozen. The next steps will involve further community engagement and detailed planning to ensure that Stafford's educational infrastructure can meet the needs of its students effectively.