Dear Spring Branch ISD Families, Staff and Community Members,

 As you know, the SBISD Board of Trustees has met regularly throughout the fall to discuss the district’s $35 million budget shortfall stemming from our state’s inaction to provide funding for public schools.  At their Special Meeting last Monday, Trustees approved several resolutions to begin addressing our budget challenge.

On Monday evening, November 13, the Board of Trustees will discuss the second phase of considerations to address the district’s budget deficit. No action will be taken at this meeting, with potential action at a future meeting.

With a combined annual impact of $7 million, the phase two considerations to be discussed include:

• Gifted and Talented Programming beginning with the 2024-25 school year
  • Restructure Elementary Gifted and Talented SPIRAL Programming to be delivered by SPIRAL teachers at home elementary campuses
  • Expand enrollment at Spring Branch Academic Institute

• Choice Programming beginning with the 2024-25 school year
  • Discontinue the SKY Partnership
  • Expand enrollment at Westchester Academy for International Studies
  • Expand enrollment at Cornerstone Academy
  • Continue Dual Language programming

As you may know, Governor Abbott called a fourth special session that began earlier this week, immediately following the conclusion of the third special session. While public school funding is part of the Governor’s call, we do not know if or when any legislation would be approved. We also do not know what the financial benefit to SBISD’s budget would be. Thus, we must continue to move forward with these very difficult decisions.

View the Board Agenda here this afternoon. As always, Monday’s Board Meeting will be livestreamed here.