The New Braunfels Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the 2020-2021 budget, during their regular monthly meeting held on June 29 via video conference. The 2020-2021 fiscal year for NBISD runs July 1 - June 30, 2020.

The Board approved a budget of $104.2 million, which is 7.45 percent more than last year’s budget of $97 million. The newly adopted budget includes a general operating fund of $81.6 million, food service fund of $3.2 million and a debt service fund of $19.4 million. 

The board also approved several compensation items with the adoption of the budget.

Compensation Highlights:

One-time payment of $500 for each employee (to be issued before Dec. 31, 2020)

Starting Salary of $51,000 for teachers with a bachelor’s degree

Starting Salary of $52,500 for teachers with a master’s degree

Increase in substitute daily rate to $100 for certified substitutes

Increase in starting hourly rate for custodians to $11.09

 “With the approval of these employee compensation items, NBISD will be able to remain competitive with our peer districts for the 2020-21 School Year,” said Randy Moczygemba, superintendent of schools. “We value our employees and want them to know they are appreciated.”

Factors affecting the General Fund Budget increases that will also have an impact on spending include rising costs in maintenance, transportation, and school safety; increase to employee compensation; and the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding the implementation of new legislation related to school funding, specifically HB3, is still being revealed and thus the revenue estimates used in the 2020-21 budget are subject to change. The calculations used are based on the most current information and the administration’s best approximations.

The projected increase in the General Fund revenue is based on a student population growth of 2 percent from the last year, rising property values and funding changes implemented under HB3. 

“The budget hearing in June usually includes a discussion on the proposed tax rate; however, this year we have to delay that announcement due to several factors that are still pending related to the legislation changes implemented under HB3,” said Moczygemba.. “The proposed tax rate will be announced in late July and go before the Board of Trustees for approval in August.”