Education
BY BRADLEY DOUNTZ
FBISD budget shortfall has grown to $47.3M Fort Bend ISD officials said the district is expect- ing a larger budget shortfall than what was projected in March. What you need to know At an April 13 board of trustees agenda review meeting, Chief Financial Officer Bryan Guinn said the district is now projected to face a $47.3 million shortfall for the 2026-27 school year, a 22.86% growth from the $38.5 million figure that was forecasted in March. The details The increase comes from contributing $10.8 million from the general fund to the health care fund, which has faced a “consistent deficit” over the last three years, Guinn said. The health care deficit, which is also being seen by nearby school districts, stems from medical
New Pre-K3 class added to FBISD
Health benefits fund impact The estimate has grown to help cover the now $27.9 million health care fund deficit. General fund share General fund (additional needed)
Other funds
Fort Bend ISD will expand its Pre-K3 program with an additional bilingual class- room at Burton Elementary in the 2026-27 school year. What parents need to know At an April 20 meeting, Fort Bend ISD board of trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with local nonprofit BakerRipley to continue services and add a classroom for the district’s Pre-K3 program. About the program Head Start programs are free, federally-funded programs designed to provide academic preparation for preschool- ers from eligible families, according to the BakerRipley website.
2024-2025
$14.4M
$1.7M
2025-2026
$14.9M
$1.2M
2026-2027
$15M
$10.8M
$2.1M
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
cost inflation, high-cost claimants and a rise in prescription drug costs such as GLP1s used for diabetes management. Going forward The health benefits solicitation evaluation will be completed by the end of April, before a final budget update is given in May after press time, Guinn said.
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