Clear Creek ISD's 2026-27 school year is underway, and families face an Aug. 24 public hearing on the district's $23.4 million budget shortfall before the board adopts its tax rate.

All grades reported Wednesday, Aug. 12, one day after pre-K and kindergarten students attended a half-day and sixth- and ninth-graders reported for orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The district posted its official Back-to-School Guide that morning, covering the academic calendar, transportation, student meals and a download link for the connectCCISD alert app.

Clear Tech launches its first class

The district's brand-new Clear Tech Virtual Program also started Aug. 12. CCISD announced on Facebook that the "inaugural class" logged on for its first day. Clear Tech is a partnership with Texas Tech K-12, giving families a fully virtual option within the district for the first time.

$23.4 million shortfall heads to public hearing

The bigger item on the calendar: the CCISD board of trustees will hold a public hearing Monday, Aug. 24, at the Education Support Center, 2425 E. Main St., League City, to discuss and adopt the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and proposed tax rate.

The district is projecting a $23.4 million shortfall for the coming fiscal year, driven by declining revenue and rising fuel, insurance and staffing costs, according to Community Impact. The proposed tax rate is unchanged from the previous two years, but the board is considering calling a $19.1 million voter-approved tax rate election to help close the gap. Community Impact also reported in June that without action, CCISD could deplete its financial reserves by fiscal year 2028-29.

As we reported Aug. 10, the hearing was already on the horizon.

Board member Arturo Sanchez urged community involvement at the board's July 27 meeting, when trustees unanimously approved a smaller-than-usual teacher pay raise amid the shortfall.

"We really invite our community to engage in discussions with their state elected officials," Sanchez said at the meeting. "While we all appreciate lower taxes ... we also appreciate an environment where students can learn and thrive."

What families need now

  • connectCCISD app: Download it for district and school-level alerts. The link is in the Back-to-School Guide at ccisd.net/backtoschool.
  • Aug. 24 public hearing: 2425 E. Main St., League City. The board will discuss the budget and tax rate; public comment is open.
  • Board leadership for 2026-27: President Jonathan Cottrell, Vice President Jessica Cejka, Secretary Jamieson Mackay. Superintendent Dr. Karen Engle leads the district.

The Aug. 24 hearing is the next scheduled opportunity for families to weigh in before the board adopts the tax rate.