La Hoya ISD board adopts balanced 2026–27 budgets, approves 3% general raise and $58,300 teacher starting salary; no district tax-rate increase proposed

La Hoya ISD trustees voted to adopt the district’s proposed 2026–27 budgets for the general fund, debt service and child nutrition fund after a public hearing and staff presentations. The board approved the motion on a voice vote after staff emphasized that the plan balances immediate operating realities with strategic investments.

“Tonight I'm coming to present to you the budget for 2627 school year as required by law,” budget presenter Miss Creswell told the board, outlining statutory requirements and the district’s priorities. Creswell said the proposed budget faces a projected $10.7 million revenue reduction driven largely by declining enrollment and reductions in state and federal funding.

Creswell described the district’s priorities as “first students, manage instruction, community trust and financial stability,” and detailed proposed reallocations including an academic investment of roughly $25.5 million and $30.8 million for student mental-health, athletics and related supports. She said the board would be asked to approve a 3% general pay increase (estimated at about $5.3 million) and a new starting teacher salary of $58,300.

“There is no increase in the district tax rate,” Creswell said during the presentation, noting that any change in individual tax bills would depend on certified property values set by the appraisal district and not on a higher tax-rate proposal from the school board.

Superintendent Dr. Sorenson framed the budget as a set of value choices. “Budgets are a representation of value statements,” she told trustees, urging approval as an investment in employees and student-centered priorities.

Brenda Selenas, president of La Hoya AFT Local 4632, addressed trustees during public comment and urged approval of the compensation plan, thanking district negotiators and noting that, if approved, employees would have received about 7% in general increases over two years.

Following discussion and brief board comment, a trustee moved and a second was given for agenda item 6.1 (adopt the proposed budgets). The board voted by voice and the motion carried.

What happens next: Creswell said the district will wait for certified property values in July before publishing final tax-rate calculations and will present a final tax rate in September when the board adopts the 2026–27 tax rate.