BISD Board Approves Balanced 2025–2026 Budget, 5.33 Cent Tax Rate Reduction, and Cash Defeasance Saving Taxpayers $4.1 Million
The Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) Board of Trustees has approved a balanced budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, along with an early payoff of bonds that will save taxpayers $4.1 million in future interest costs.
The approved budget reflects the district’s continued commitment to financial stewardship and taxpayer relief. Over the past seven years, BISD’s tax rate has been reduced by 36 cents, including a 5.33-cent reduction for the 2025 tax year, lowering the rate to $0.8975 per $100 of property valuation.
Key highlights of the 2025–2026 budget include:
- Balanced Budget: Despite a projected $8.6 million reduction in property tax collections for the General Fund compared to 2024–25, the district’s budget remains balanced through strategic use of new state funding, cost efficiencies, and one-time fiscal year savings.
- Additional State Funding: Provided through House Bill 2, passed during the 89th Legislature, which increases overall state contributions to public schools.
- Compensation Plan: Approved by the Board in June 2025, including teacher pay raises of $2,500 (3–4 years’ experience) and $5,000 (5+ years’ experience). A 4% general pay increase from midpoint for all other staff was also adopted, along with new pay structures raising minimum starting salaries across all pay plans.
- Fiscal Year Change Savings: The 2025–26 fiscal year will operate on a shortened 10-month cycle as the district transitions from a September–August to a July–June fiscal year beginning in 2026–27. This change will generate an estimated $7.4 million in one-time savings.
- Cash Defeasance: The Board approved an early payoff of a portion of outstanding bonds, generating $4.1 million in interest savings for taxpayers.
“Our community expects us to be both good stewards of taxpayer resources and strong advocates for student success,” said Superintendent Danny Massey. “With this balanced budget, continued tax rate reductions, and the $4.1 million in savings from paying off bonds early we are delivering on both priorities.”
