During their May 19 workshop, Corpus Christi ISD’s Board of Trustees commended district staff for fiscal management, including projecting a deficit reduction from nearly $22 million to just over $2.7 million, while also prioritizing market increases and raises for staff.
Net estimated salary savings resulting from the upcoming consolidations of seven schools is projected to total just over $13.4 million. The district’s human resources staff worked with employees of closing schools to find new placements, with savings accrued through attrition. The district also projects an additional $730,000 in operational cost savings stemming from the closures.
Compensation, customarily approved by the board in June, is projected to include a raise and equity adjustments for teachers, administrators and auxiliary staff. The proposed package represents a projected investment of more than $4.6 million and includes a 1 percent mid-point increase for these groups, with a slightly different structured increase for food services and current 236-day maintenance employees.
Year-end closeout of Bond 2022 capital projects budget yielded more than $23.7 million that had been reserved in contingency accounts. (State law prohibits use of bond dollars for employee raises.) These funds, separate from the general fund, had been set aside due to market volatility to ensure the district had adequate funding to complete voter-approved projects. The funds are expected to be allocated to the district’s capital project needs list, which includes restroom and locker room renovations at Moody High School as well as improvements at King High School. The board requested an updated priorities list for consideration at a future meeting.
Trustees also heard a presentation from Specialized Public Finance regarding retiring existing debt early without issuing new bonds, potentially saving taxpayers approximately $2.9 million. The board is expected to consider taking action during its June meeting.
A public hearing for the 2026-2027 budget and proposed tax rate as well as board discussion and possible adoption of the budget are anticipated June 8.