Early forecast shows $16M deficit in Round Rock ISD

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Cuts could soon be on the way to a Central Texas school district that went into this year with a balanced budget.

Last year Round Rock Independent School District set a balanced budget heading into the new school year. However, preliminary projections show it could be facing a $16 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year.

"Until we get a bill that passes, that guarantees us more money, we have to be prepared for worst case scenario," said RRISD Trustee, Amber Landrum, during a March 13 meeting.

Texas school districts are still waiting to see what will happen in the legislature as lawmakers have proposed some bills that would increase the basic allotment.

RRISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said districts across the state, including his own, need more funding, and an increase to the basic allotment would help.

Until that money comes though, districts are having to cut back on spending.

"We tried to reduce our expenditures, but at the same time we had to increase compensation," Azaiez said.

He says any savings they have made goes to keeping teachers in the district.

Azaiez said the district has identified about $2 million in budget cuts, and it is still looking to find more.

"I know we are for sure reducing central office admin positions and Central Office school support positions, and the rest of these we are evaluating," said Dennis Covington, RRISD's Chief Financial Officer.

Azaiez said he's hoping to see some funding from the State Capitol, but the district can't wait to make a budget for the upcoming year.

"We are very optimistic that we can really address it and it is our hope to take a balanced budget to our board," Azaiez said.

RRISD will have a board meeting Thursday where they will discuss the budget. The district has to adopt a budget by the end of June.

Watch the March 13 discussion on the district website here.