The Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) Board of Trustees and the Stafford City Council convened on June 30, 2025, for their first joint session of the budget year 2025-2026. The meeting primarily focused on legislative updates following the recent Texas legislative session, which concluded with significant developments affecting public education.

CFO Avzav introduced Dr. Amber Lassang from Mo Casey, who provided insights into the legislative outcomes. Dr. Lassang highlighted that the session was notably productive for public schools, emphasizing key areas such as the state budget, school finance, and teacher pay. Among the most impactful changes was the passage of vouchers and substantial property tax relief, which are expected to influence funding and operational strategies for local schools.

Dr. Lassang also discussed new regulations, including a cell phone ban and reforms in virtual education, which are set to alter the landscape of public schooling. However, she noted that some anticipated reforms, particularly regarding the elimination of the STAR assessment, did not materialize due to time constraints in negotiations between the House and Senate.

The meeting underscored the importance of these legislative changes for the upcoming budget discussions, with a second joint session scheduled for August. The board and council members expressed their commitment to navigating these developments effectively to enhance educational outcomes in Stafford.