During its regular meeting on June 15, 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.