EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Ysleta Independent School District leaders addressed its budget shortfall on Monday, presenting a series of cost-saving steps that could reduce the projected $15 million budget deficit to $11 million.<\/p>\n
During Monday’s YISD budget workshop, the district\u2019s chief financial officer presented a plan to address the budget and make recommendations to reduce the deficit. According to the district, the proposed budget plan includes saving on salaries through natural attrition, consolidating Cesar Chavez Academy and making changes to the district\u2019s bereavement policy, among other measures. <\/p>\n
Additionally, YISD said the deficit could also be lowered if the district sells property. <\/p>\n
While discussing the plan on Monday, some board members said they did not think the proposal went far enough. <\/p>\n
However, Superintendent Dr. Xavier De La Torre said the district is recommending the budget as presented and explained why broader campus consolidation is not being pursued.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were aware of campuses that could be considered for consolidation; the reason that we’re reluctant to do that, with one exception, is because the savings aren’t significant,\u201d De La Torre said. \u201cYou consolidate the campus, we already committed our employees to our teachers, they’re under contract. We’re not going to get rid of hourly employees over the summer, we just don’t do that to people, and that is where you see significant savings.\u201d<\/p>\n
The district is expected to adopt an official budget and a compensation plan at its meeting on Wednesday. YISD is also expected to consider presenting two incentive agreements for employees to notify the district if they are leaving. <\/p>\n
The plan comes as the district continues to face financial strain amid a multimillion-dollar budget deficit and has outlined more than $57 million in urgent repair needs. The largest portion of the repair costs is tied to HVAC and refrigerated air issues at multiple campuses, totaling about $25.7 million. The district also cited $12.5 million needed for 74 aging buses. Other needs include turf, track, roof, and playground repairs.<\/p>\n
According to De La Torre, the next step in addressing the deficit is deciding whether a Voter-Approval Tax Rate (VATRE) election will be placed on the ballot in November. The election allows school districts in Texas to seek voter approval to increase their Maintenance and Operations tax rate above the state-mandated threshold, <\/p>\n
However, De La Torre warned it won’t be enough. <\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: YISD trustee raises concerns over projected deficit, $57.6M in urgent repairs<\/a><\/p>\n