Dear SAISD Familia:
 
Tonight, we held our third budget workshop with the Board of Trustees as we prepare for the 2024-25 school year. The board is expected to approve a final budget on June 17. We want you to be aware that tough decisions will be made in the next few weeks, but that we are committed to our students and staff.
 
Board President Christina Martinez made the observation, “Spring is the universal time of year that high school seniors prepare for graduation, families research summer camps, and school districts 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.”
 
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. 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.
 
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 our communities. We remain committed to providing the best quality education with our limited resources, as outlined during our rightsizing community meetings.
 
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. Over the next several months, we 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.
 
Most importantly, I want you to know: In the face of financial adversity, our commitment to our students and staff remains unwavering. We will always be dedicated to your well-being and success. 
 
In service,
Jaime