Clear Creek ISD's seven-member board of trustees will vote on a $432 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at a public hearing Monday, Aug. 24, where League City families can weigh in on how the district plans to close a $22.8 million shortfall without raising taxes.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the CCISD Education Support Center, 2425 E. Main St., League City. It will also stream live on the district's YouTube channel (@CCISDTV).
What's in the budget
The shortfall stems from a $16 million drop in state and local funding after the district lost roughly 1,000 students, Chief Financial Officer Alice Benzaia told trustees at an Aug. 17 workshop. To fill the gap, CCISD plans to draw from its $39 million capital contingency fund.
The district eliminated 77 positions through attrition, saving $5 million. Those savings were offset by a $7.5 million salary increase for employees and a $900,000 bump in the Galveston County security contract. A $4 million state allotment for coastal districts will help cover rising property insurance costs.
The proposed tax rate stays at $0.969 per $100 valuation, unchanged from the current year.
Why it matters long-term
Debt service reserves are projected to fall from 34% to the board-mandated floor of 10% by fiscal year 2029-30. At the Aug. 17 workshop, Benzaia said "the district's ability to pass bonds without increasing the tax rate is likely coming to an end."
Board member Arturo Sanchez warned at a July 13 workshop that stagnant state funding risks "negatively impacting things that set us apart that make our district attractive."
How to participate
Residents who want to speak at Monday's hearing must submit a Community Input Form to the superintendent's office by noon Aug. 24. Each speaker gets three minutes per agenda topic. The board is expected to formally adopt the tax rate at its Sept. 28 meeting.
Board President Jonathan Cottrell and the six other trustees will preside: Vice President Jessica Cejka, Secretary Jamieson Mackay, Jay Cunningham, Jeff Larson, Rebecca Lilley and Sanchez.
