The College Station Independent School District (CSISD) held a special board meeting on June 6, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary decisions and funding allocations for the upcoming school year. The meeting focused on the implications of recent legislative changes affecting teacher pay scales, special education funding, and various educational programs.
A significant topic of discussion was the uncertainty surrounding the district's salary scales. Board members debated whether to maintain a single salary scale or create separate scales for different roles, such as enrichment specialists, nurses, and librarians, who are currently excluded from certain pay raises. The district is considering how to best allocate funds to ensure equitable compensation across all staff members.
The board also reviewed new funding allotments from the state, including a $45 increase per regular program allotment, which totals over $500,000 for the district. This funding is intended for various staff, including counselors and food service workers, but does not extend to administrators. However, there are concerns about the permanence of these allotments, given the potential for legislative changes.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the implications of changes to special education funding. The district anticipates receiving $1,000 per special education evaluation, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in the district. This funding aims to support the evaluation process for students in various educational settings, including charter and private schools.
The board also discussed the recent repeal of spending requirements for compensatory education funds, which could lead to disparities in how districts utilize these resources. Furthermore, updates to bilingual education funding now allow for the hiring of certified bilingual teachers, and there are plans to increase funding for career and technology programs.
A notable increase in the safety allotment was announced, raising the per-campus funding from $15,000 to $33,540, which reflects a commitment to enhancing campus safety measures. The board also addressed changes to early education funding, ensuring that the district will maintain its financial support for pre-kindergarten programs.
In conclusion, the CSISD board's discussions underscored the complexities of navigating funding changes and the importance of making informed decisions to support all district staff and students effectively. The board will continue to monitor these developments as they finalize the budget for the upcoming school year.