Conroe ISD trustees approved a balanced $761 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, keeping the district’s tax rate flat for the second consecutive year.
On Monday, trustees of the Conroe Independent School District made a significant decision, approving a balanced budget of $761.05 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, all while maintaining the district’s tax rate at its current level.
During its meeting on August 19, the school board finalized the budget and tax rate following an extensive period of review. The tax rate has been confirmed at $0.9496 for every $100 in valuation, unchanged from the previous fiscal year of 2024-25. The resolution establishes the maintenance and operations rate at $0.6696, alongside a debt service rate of $0.28 for every $100 of taxable valuation.
Earlier this month, District Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza unveiled the proposal, highlighting that almost 89% of the budget, approximately $679.5 million, is earmarked for payroll services. The focus is on salaries, benefits, and staffing requirements throughout the district, recognized as one of the fastest-growing in Texas.
Garza informed the trustees that synchronizing revenues with expenditures is crucial for maintaining the district's financial stability, particularly in light of increasing costs and growing enrollment needs. The budget stands at a balanced figure, with both projected revenues and expenditures aligned at $761.05 million.
The board's decision underscores the persistent challenge of balancing growth management with the need to prevent tax increases.
As Montgomery County experiences swift residential growth, the district has witnessed a consistent rise in enrollment over the past few years, prompting the need for increased staffing and additional facilities. Trustees highlighted the critical need to maintain the tax rate at its current level, aiming to offer financial relief to local taxpayers while ensuring that essential services continue to receive necessary funding.
“The board emphasized during the meeting that keeping a flat tax rate while ensuring the budget remains balanced is of utmost importance,” members stated. “Our goal is to allocate resources effectively to classrooms and staff while minimizing any additional pressures on families.”
The district announced that the majority of its spending will remain dedicated to enhancing support for teachers, staff, and student programs. The $0.28 segment of the rate will be allocated to debt service, ensuring that payments on previous bond measures, which financed the establishment of new campuses and enhancements to facilities, are adequately covered.
Mark your calendars! The upcoming Conroe ISD board meeting is set to take place at 6 p.m. on September 2, located at the Deane L. Sadler Administration/Technology Center, 3205 W. Davis St. in Conroe.
