NBSD receives federal program funding and is required to provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and offer comments regarding these programs. During the meeting, information was shared about three federal programs that support students and schools across the district: the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Perkins V: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B).

Tera Thompson, Director of Federal Grants and Programs, said that NBISD receives more than $1.69 million in ESSA funding through four federal programs that support student achievement and district priorities. Funding allocations are based on the district’s annual Needs Assessment Process and are reviewed each year for effectiveness. For the 2026–2027 school year, Title I, Part A will provide approximately $1.23 million to support six schoolwide campuses through intervention staff, instructional support, parent and family engagement initiatives, professional learning, and services for students experiencing homelessness. Title II, Part A will provide nearly $280,000 to support professional development, curriculum specialists, and the district’s BEST Academy for new teachers. Current ESSA funding is fully allocated and not at risk of reduction, though NBISD will not receive Migrant or Immigrant funding this year.

The strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act or Perkins was presented by CTE Director Rachel Behnke. 

Perkins V funding supports CTE programs for students in grades 7–12 by helping them develop academic knowledge, technical skills, and career readiness. The program focuses on career exploration, professional development, academic integration, program implementation, and preparing students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers.

For the 2026–2027 school year, NBISD’s Perkins V planning allocation is $88,805. Funding will support a portion of the CTE Curriculum Specialist position, professional development opportunities, program evaluation tools, and software that tracks College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) data. Additional funds will be used to purchase equipment and materials that enhance CTE programs and provide curriculum development opportunities for teachers, helping ensure consistency and expand learning opportunities for students across the district.

Nina Houston, Director of Special Education, presented about federal funding for special education services.

IDEA-B and IDEA-B Pre-K funding support NBISD’s efforts to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students receiving special education services. For the 2026–2027 school year, NBISD’s planning allocations are $1.74 million for IDEA-B and $27,136 for IDEA-B Pre-K. These funds will support staffing, evaluations, ARD processes, instructional materials, paraprofessional support, professional learning, and services needed to implement students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IDEA-B Pre-K funding also focuses on improving developmental outcomes and school readiness through early intervention services.

NBISD is also preparing for Texas’ transition to a new special education funding model that will tie funding to the intensity of services students receive rather than instructional settings. While districts will continue operating under the current funding model during the 2026–2027 transition year, NBISD is prioritizing staff training, cross-department collaboration, service delivery reviews, and data collection to ensure a smooth implementation of the new requirements.

The New Braunfels ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year, reaffirming the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while continuing to invest in students and staff.

The approved budget totals $114,680,053 and aligns with the Board’s Budget Goals, Assumptions, Priorities, and Risks established for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

As part of the budget, trustees discussed a proposed tax rate of $1.0522 per $100 valuation, consisting of $0.6969 for Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and $0.3553 for Interest and Sinking (I&S). Jose Betancourt, director of financial services, indicated the final maintenance and operations tax rate will likely be lower due to State tax rate compression. The tax rate is scheduled to be formally considered and adopted by the Board in August.

“It is my understanding that about 80% of public school districts around the state have not been able to do that (have a balanced budget),” said Board President Nancy York. “I know it’s not easy and in the years going forward it might not be possible unless we as a district can come up with something to alleviate the problem or maybe, just maybe, the state throws us a bone in the next legislative session.”

The adopted budget includes a 2% pay raise for all NBISD employees, which shows the district’s ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality staff. Additional highlights include reducing the number of days required for long-term substitute pay from 20 days to 15 days, adding 25 new special education positions, and funding ROTC instructor positions for Long Creek High School.

“We are grateful to the Board for choosing to invest in our staff,” said NBISD Superintendent Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury. “Their decision reinforces the value placed on the important role our educators and team members play in student success.”

The General Fund serves as the district’s operating budget and covers expenses such as salaries, utilities, instructional supplies, and other day-to-day operational costs. The Interest and Sinking Fund is used to pay principal and interest on voter-approved debt that supports new construction, major renovations, priority repairs and replacements, land purchases, buses, and technology. The Child Nutrition Fund is a self-supporting fund that covers the costs associated with school cafeteria operations.

Each year, district administration develops and presents a budget for Board approval. Trustees are required to approve the General Fund, Interest and Sinking Fund, and Child Nutrition Fund budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2026-2027 budget reflects priorities established by the Board and incorporates key factors that impact school finance, including student enrollment, average daily attendance, inflation, legislative actions, and changes in property values.

Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, Board members participated in multiple budget workshops to review district needs and establish priorities for the upcoming year. These discussions helped ensure that the adopted budget supports the district’s strategic goals while maintaining sound financial stewardship.

By approving a balanced budget, NBSD continues its commitment to responsible financial management while making strategic investments that support students, staff, and the district’s continued growth.

Communities in Schools (CIS) partners with NBISD to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS will report on the number of students served, end-of-year outcomes on identified needs and the measures they collect, mental health work, and post-secondary/transition work.

Susan Wetz, Chief Executive Officer of CIS, provided the board with an update. CIS serves more than 42,000 students in seven different school districts in the area. CIS provides 9,607 students with school-wide prevention services, while 2,405 students are receiving targeted services for additional support and 923 students are receiving continuous intensive services.

More than 80 percent of students who CIS serves are those who qualify for free or reduced price lunches.