• Six Year Budget Forecast
     
    In 2011, during the 82nd legislative session, the Texas legislature cut public education funding by $5.4 billion. Due to this reduction, funding for EMS ISD was cut by $8.5 million in the 2011-12 school year and by $2.5 million for 2012-13. The result is that we receive $371 less for each student than we received during the 2005-06 school year. 
     
    In our budget planning for 2013-2014, we were compelled to further reduce our expenses by $5 million. The District balanced its budget through a process of budget reductions and enhancements. Click here to read detailed information about the reductions.
     
    The 83rd legislative session restored approximately 66% of the funding for school districts that was cut in the 82nd legislative session. However due to funding formulas, only 20% of the funding that was cut for EMS ISD will be restored. Additionally, we will lose another $14 million in the 2017-18 school year. We are projected to gain approximately 500 students per year and the cost of operating our schools continues to rise. In addition, we will need to build additional facilities to accommodate the growth of our district. 

    To plan for this financial impact, in September of 2012, the Board voted to declare financial exigency as well as to explore further budget reductions and opportunities for revenue enhancements. A comprehensive budget forecast was created through 2018. This plan has been the guiding force for the district as we budget for the future. The plan includes additional reductions and includes the additional income that could be generated through raising the Maintenance and Operations tax rate through a Tax Ratification Election.

     
    To view the plan, click here to download.