April 8, 2024 – The San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees tonight held its third budget workshop as the district prepares for the 2024-25 school year. Board President Christina Martinez and Superintendent Jaime Aquino agree that tough decisions will need to be made in the next few weeks.

“Spring is the universal time of year that high school seniors prepare for graduation, families research summer camps, and school disPtricts across the country prepare their budgets for the next school year. In Texas, where inflation has hit upwards of 22% and public education has not seen an increase in state funding in five years, the school district budgeting process is more arduous than usual this time,” Martinez said.

This budget cycle follows a decision earlier in the school year to consolidate students and staff into fewer facilities to better serve the children in the community. The trustees and district administration remain committed to providing the best quality education with its limited resources, as outlined during their rightsizing community meetings.

"SAISD, like countless school districts statewide, confronts formidable budgetary hurdles driven by stagnant state funding, declining enrollment, and the sunset of pandemic relief funds. Yet amidst these challenges, our dedication to nurturing young minds remains unwavering” said Aquino. “Today, we proactively chart a course toward long-term financial viability, implementing measures to streamline non-classroom areas, including further Central Office budget reductions and operational efficiencies, ensuring resources are maximized where they matter most: in our classrooms."

Discussions during tonight’s budget workshop included looking at eliminating vacant positions or freezing non-mission critical positions at Central Office. Also on the table is the possibility of restructuring district-level staff, reducing workday calendars, and decreasing some programming. 

However, despite the difficult decisions that lie ahead, the conversation remained focused on a commitment to students and staff. Over the next several months, the district will embark on a comprehensive return-on-investment analysis to ascertain which programs and services yield positive impacts on student achievement. This analysis will inform further reductions for the school year 2025-26, which will be disclosed in the fall. This proactive approach will enable the district to mitigate the potential impact of cuts on its overarching goals and priorities. 

"In the face of financial adversity, our commitment to our students and staff remains unwavering, underscoring our dedication to their well-being and success," said Aquino.  

The board is expected to approve a final budget on June 17.