June 28 GISD board meeting press release

With a longstanding tradition of fiscal responsibility, Garland ISD ensures efficiency and effectiveness through an extensive annual budget review. The Board of Trustees also evaluates projections for the upcoming year, working with district staff to maintain GISD’s standard of excellence and ability to introduce innovative programs.

Looking forward to the upcoming launch of two Montessori campuses and a 1:1 initiative, which provides all high school students a personal iPad, the district expects its annual operating budget to increase. GISD has not been slated to receive any additional money from the state, however district staff and Trustees continue to look for areas to reduce next year’s estimates. Departments were able to decrease their budgets overall by seven percent, which amounts to more than $3.6 million. Nearly $2.5 million in payroll costs can also be saved through position attrition.

New budget projections presented to the board during the June 28 meeting show GISD adding $3.9 million to its fund balance at the end of 2016-17. This does not reflect a pay raise for staff, which is still being considered.

Trustees continue to discuss the possibility of providing a raise for district employees. Their paychecks will be lower next year, as the Teacher Retirement System has increased the required employee contribution from 7.2 percent to 7.7 percent. This increase is a requirement of state law. Since 2008, GISD has provided seven raises to staff to offset increases like these and to help keep salaries competitive.

Discussions will continue throughout July and August, as the board prepares to approve the 2016-17 budget before the new fiscal year starts Sept. 1.

Garland Independent School District

Director of Communications

501 S. Jupiter Rd.

Garland, TX 75042

972-487-3258 work

214-435-8563 cell