By Anton Riecher
The Devine ISD school board voted Monday to adopt its budget of $25.3 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 with an expected revenue shortfall forcing the elimination of $500,000 in staff pay increases and new buses needed to comply with state seat belt laws.
Discussion by the board emphasized that the apparent deficit is driven largely by capital projects, one-time expenditures and changes in state funding formulas. Board members expressed concern that repeated carryover spending from previous budgets could reduce reserves to low levels.
Board member Chris Davis said the cuts were necessary to protect future employment in the school district.
“I know it’s rough but I’d rather adopt it with no increases and no buses than have to worry about laying people off next year,” Davis said. “At least they would have jobs.”
On a motion by Davis, seconded by Alexana Buvinghausen, the board voted unanimously to approve the budget without the pay raises or new buses.
District financial officer Shannon Ramirez estimated the shortfall between the proposed budget and expected revenue at as much as $4.749 million.
Several trustees questioned whether the district could sustain the continuing schedule of proposed raises and vehicle purchases for future years, especially if state revenue did not improve. Another concern was that sustaining the proposed budget could later force staff layoffs.
Superintendent Todd Grandjean and Ramirez explained that the budget being adopted was a planning document with the actual tax rate and other final numbers to be set later. The tax rate will not be…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Enrollment and attendance as well as state funding formulas were discussed as key financial drivers in the budget cutbacks.
Above are board members Carl Brown and Chris Davis.
