BISD News

Board adopts 2009-10 budget

During the June 16 meeting of the Bastrop ISD Board of Trustees, board members unanimously adopted the 2009-10 budget contingent on Governor Perry signing HB 3646. The district’s operating budgeted revenues for the year is $61,730,409.

BISD is dedicated to making the most from each dollar it receives in funding, while maintaining a well-balanced curriculum with strong emphasis on academics. “This budget reflects the Board of Trustee’s commitment to recruiting and maintaining highly qualified staff while continuing to provide a quality education for Bastrop ISD students,” said Roderick Emanuel, Superintendent.

If passed by the Texas Legislature, HB 3646 provides an $800 across the board salary increase for teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses and speech pathologists. Bastrop ISD has opted to give a $1,000 across the board salary increase, versus the $800. Other raises include a three percent of the midpoint increase for all auxiliary employees and a two percent of the midpoint increase for all professional employees.

According to Chief Financial Officer Sandra Callahan, the budget will leave the District with a healthy fund balance of $12.7 million, important to helping the District maintain its AA+ bond rating.

BISD’s revenue is received from three sources. The majority of the district’s revenue, fifty-six percent, is from state sources. State revenue consists of payments from the Available School Fund, technology allotment, the Foundation School Program, and other categorical aid that is outside of the Foundation School Program. The amount of the funding we receive is dependent upon many factors including, but not limited to, the average daily attendance of the students, the number of students in special programs, and the property value of the district as determined by the state. Forty-four percent of the district’s revenue is from local sources. Local revenue includes local property taxes and other revenues such as tuition payments, interest earnings and rental payments. Less than one percent of the district’s revenue is received from federal sources.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work that has gone into preparing this year’s budget. Academically, the stakes are getting higher and higher, and our board wants to make sure that we can maintain our pursuit of academic excellence,” said Superintendent Emanuel.

For more information, contact Sandra Callahan, Chief Financial Officer, at (512) 321-2292.