MISD Budget & Legislative Impact

The state budget deficit and impact of the recession

As the Texas Legislature considers actions to address the State's budget shortfall, school districts are anxiously awaiting information related to the extent of the cuts to public education. Texas is projecting a budget shortfall of $27 billion. Across the state, sales tax collections and property values are lower than expected. Federal stimulus funds that were used last year will not be funded. Because lawmakers are not expected to raise tax rates, it appears that massive budget cuts will be required to balance the state budget. Public education may be cut by approximately $10 billion. Click here for additional Texas legislative information.

Here is what we do know

• MISD did not create the problem, but we will feel the pain.
• MISD budgets will be reduced; Personnel positions will be impacted.
• Estimated loss of revenue for MISD is at least $4.1 million; therefore, the district must reduce its spending in order to have a balanced budget.

Superintendent Explains Budget and Bonds

VIDEOS
• The Bond: Answering a Question (April 6, 2011)
• MISD Bond and Budget (March 29, 2011)
• The State Budget Crisis: A Common Understanding (March 29, 2011)

BLOGS
• HB 400 (May 5, 2011)
• Yes, MISD Can Afford to Staff and Operate The Bond Projects (April 29, 2011)
• Structural Deficit: Planned Pain II (April 27, 2011)
• MISD's Fund Balance is Not the Texas Legislature's Rainy Day Fund (February 24, 2011)
• Midlothian Budget (2011-12): When Will We Know? (February 17, 2011)
• Structural Deficit: Planned Pain (February 17, 2011)
• A Financial Storm (January 30, 2011)

Budget Meetings

All budget meetings are discussed in open session at the MISD Administration Building during the regular board meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Scheduled budget workshops are on April 18 and May 23.

2011-12 Budget Resolution [PDF, passed April 6, 2011]

How will these cuts in funding impact Midlothian ISD?

Midlothian ISD is facing a projected reduction in State funding of at least $4.1 million. The district will reach the budgetary shortfall through attrition, frozen salaries, campus and departmental budget reductions and other budgetary items. Because salaries and benefits make up over 78% of the overall budget, it was necessary to reduce 55 personnel (33.5 teachers and 21.5 general staff). In addition, the Board approved the following recommended elementary student/teacher ratio increase.

2010-2011 school year
Kindergarten - 1st grade at 18:1 (capped at 20:1)
2nd - 4th grades at 22:1
5th grade at 25:1

2011-2012 school year
Kindergarten - 1st grade at 22:1
2nd - 4th grades at 24:1
5th grade at 25:1

What is the current projected deficit for the State of Texas and for education?

The State is projecting a budget deficit of up to $27 billion for the next biennium and $10 billion in education cuts.

Why are we cutting staff and budgets while at the same time calling a bond election?

Capital (bond) funds and operating funds are intended to meet different needs and they are separate funds. By law, the two must be kept in separate accounts and they are audited to ensure each account is spent appropriately. 

Capital Funds (I&S, Interest and Sinking) pay for design, construction, expansion and renovation of schools. The bonds are essentially authorization for the district to borrow the funds. 

Operating Funds (M&O, Maintenance and Operation) pay for day-to-day expenses like salaries, supplies, transportation, and utilities.

The State funding cuts impact operating funds - not capital funds.