Poteet ISD board adopts 2026-27 budget, preserves roughly six months of reserves

Poteet Independent School District trustees unanimously adopted the district's 2026-27 budget after a staff presentation showing stable fund balances and conservative projections.

Presenter described the general operating budget as approximately $23.6 million in expenditures, with payroll accounting for the bulk of expenses. "This budget, the majority of it is payroll, 75%," the presenter said during the meeting, explaining that non-payroll costs and a TRS on-behalf booking entry account for the remainder. The presenter told trustees the amendment produced an estimated fund balance of about $12,000,000, which staff calculated would equal just over six months of operating expenditures.

Trustee Jo Marie Cervantes moved to adopt the 2026-27 budget by function; the motion was seconded by Margie and approved by voice vote with no opposed recorded. Board President Ronnie Ambriz opened and closed the roll-call sequence; Cervantes joined the meeting shortly after roll call.

Board members and staff said the projection assumed normal enrollment and no major capital emergencies; staff cautioned that large one-time costs such as restroom repairs or construction could change the outlook and that the district will amend the budget later in the year if needed. The budget adoption completes the district's legal requirement to adopt fund budgets by the Aug. 31 deadline, staff noted.

The board also considered budget details by function (instruction, library, counseling, campus leadership) and will revisit budget amendments as real-world revenue and expenditures are finalized over the year.