Hays CISD Proposes $12.25 Million in Budget Cuts for the Upcoming School Year
Hays CISD has announced a plan to implement $12.25 million in budget cuts for the next academic year as part of an effort to restore the district’s dwindling fund balance. The district’s financial reserves have reached critically low levels, primarily due to soaring inflation and a lack of increased state funding for nearly seven years.
Currently, Hays CISD allocates nearly 90% of its budget to staff salaries and personnel expenses. The proposed reductions will directly impact 125 positions through various measures, including:
- Staff attrition
- Reclassification of job duties
- Reassignments
- Reductions in workdays
- Some layoffs
In addition to these job cuts, nearly 1,000 other employees will see their stipends suspended for the next school year until funding for Texas public schools improves. The district has outlined a detailed breakdown of the expected savings from these cuts, which will affect numerous areas, including central administration, fine arts and athletics, library services, and social services.
To further address budget constraints, Hays CISD is considering increasing class sizes, which could lead to a reduction of 63 teaching positions districtwide. Plans are also in place to delay the opening of a new high school and middle school by one year, establish a virtual school program to secure additional state funds, sell district land, and raise school facility rental fees.
Context and Legislative Response
The recent 89th Texas Legislature did approve a slight increase in the basic student allotment funding, raising it from $6,160 to $6,215 per student—a modest $55 increase. This marks the first funding boost since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Hays CISD has expressed that this increase falls significantly short of the $1,000 or more needed per student to counteract the financial pressures resulting from post-pandemic inflation.
Statements from Leadership
Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright acknowledged the challenges associated with these cuts, stating, “There is no easy way to make cuts in our district. We are proposing these changes based on where we believe the system can best handle the additional stress, not for any adverse reasons caused by individuals.” He emphasized the importance of each position within the district, recognizing the real impact on staff members and the community.
Dr. Wright also noted, “These cuts will, in varying degrees, affect all of us. Some will lose their jobs, and the district will make every effort to help them quickly land on their feet. Others will see reductions in their paychecks due to reclassifications or suspended stipends. Everyone will need to work harder to deliver the Hays CISD educational experience with a smaller staff.” He expressed concern that the funding decisions beyond the district’s control might diminish the unique educational experience Hays CISD offers to its students.
Next Steps
Hays CISD has begun notifying staff members whose positions would be affected by the proposed cuts, with in-person discussions held on March 25. Employees facing stipend suspensions were informed via email. The district’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to review the budget proposal during its meeting on March 30. If approved, all cuts included in the final budget for the 2026-27 school year would take effect on July 1.
