Video message from NBISD Superintendent Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury

New Braunfels ISD is beginning a comprehensive long-range sustainability process designed to ensure the district remains financially strong while continuing to provide high-quality educational experiences for students.

The work builds on Future Focused 2030, NBISD’s community-driven strategic plan. Developed with input from students, staff, families and community members, Future Focused 2030 established a shared vision for the future of the district and continues to guide NBISD’s priorities and decision-making.

As NBISD works to put that vision into action, district leaders are also taking steps to address a changing financial outlook and ensure resources are aligned to support students, staff and schools for years to come.

For the 2027–2028 school year, NBISD is currently projecting a $7 million budget deficit, with deficits projected to grow in subsequent years if changes are not made.

Several factors are contributing to the district’s financial outlook.

After years of growth, NBISD is now experiencing flattened or declining enrollment at campuses across the district. At the same time, state funding has not kept pace with inflation and the rising costs associated with operating schools, with no substantial increase in state funding to address rising operational costs since 2019.

Over the last several years, NBISD has strategically used available revenue sources, including the 2023 Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE), New Instructional Facility Allotment funding and one-time state funding, to help balance the district’s budget while continuing to invest in students, staff and schools.

Some of those funding sources, however, are no longer available. NBISD is no longer eligible for the New Instructional Facility Allotment, which provided temporary additional state funding to help cover operating costs as new campuses and instructional facilities opened. The district is also facing the loss of a prior-year state funding adjustment, which will reduce revenue available to NBISD in the 2027–2028 budget year.

“While NBISD is facing a projected funding deficit, this reflects the broader financial pressures challenging school districts across Texas, and is not a reflection of any financial mismanagement by the district. Our Board of Trustees have been diligent in the stewardship of taxpayer dollars and have consistently prioritized maintaining a balanced budget while protecting the educational experience we provide our students,” said NBISD Superintendent, Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury. “We’re committed to working with our community and stakeholders to develop a sustainable path forward.”

These financial challenges are prompting NBISD to take a comprehensive look at how the district operates, how facilities are used and how resources can best be aligned to meet the needs of students.

During a workshop on Sept. 15, the NBISD Board of Trustees and district administration began working together on a plan to optimize district operations through a comprehensive long-range sustainability process.

The process will not just be a simple budget exercise. Its purpose is to evaluate NBISD as a whole and use data to inform decisions that position the district for long-term success while protecting the educational experiences that matter most for students.

As part of the process, NBISD will conduct a facilities usage study to evaluate how buildings and spaces are being utilized across the district. A staffing study will examine how staffing levels align with student enrollment and district needs. The district will also take a look at academic programming to evaluate how resources can continue to support high-quality opportunities for every student.

Community involvement will be an important part of the work.

NBISD will form a Long-Range Sustainability Committee consisting of district staff, teachers, students, parents and community members. Committee members will review information, study district needs, ask questions and help develop recommendations for the future of NBISD.

The district will soon open an application for those interested in serving on the committee. Additional information on joining the committee will be shared through ParentSquare, district social media channels and nbisd.org.

As the process moves forward, NBISD is committed to keeping the community informed and providing opportunities for engagement as important conversations and decisions take place.

Through thoughtful planning and community partnership, NBISD will work to ensure the district remains successful and sustainable while staying focused on Every Student. Every Day.