District officials outlined projected increases in revenue and expenditures, continued funding gaps in key programs, and enrollment trends expected to impact finances in the coming year.

The presentation included comparisons with the current 2024–25 budget and a projected fund balance at the end of the fiscal year. Officials also examined the ongoing effects of recent state legislation, including the gap between the actual cost of student programs and the state’s financial support.

Enrollment is forecast to decline slightly in 2025–26, with total student count expected to drop by 711 to 50,310. Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is also projected to decrease, from 46,247 to 45,822, which will have a direct impact on state funding levels, as funding is largely based on ADA.

The district projects approximately $580.3 million in general fund revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, representing a 13.5% increase—or about $68.8 million—over the adopted 2024–25 budget. This gain is largely driven by a nearly $26.9 million increase in local revenue, bringing that total to just under $230 million. State revenue is also expected to rise by about $42 million to $342.3 million. Federal funding is projected to remain flat from year to year at $8 million.

On the expenditure side, the district expects to spend roughly $635.2 million in 2025–26, an increase of 5.8% over the current fiscal year. Payroll remains the district’s largest cost, projected to reach more than $532 million, up 4.7% from the current year. Other expenditure categories are also set to rise significantly. Contracted services are forecast to increase by 23.6%, while capital outlay and operating costs are expected to grow by 178.9% and 219.6%, respectively.

Despite these rising costs, district officials noted that the proposed 2025–26 budget does not include any additional salary increases for teachers beyond what is mandated through House Bill 2. Officials said the district has invested more than $96 million in employee compensation increases since the 2019–20 school year, peaking at $22.4 million in 2021–22. The district anticipates spending $13 million on raises in 2024–25.

The district’s fund balance is projected to total approximately $161 million by the end of the current fiscal year. GISD is projecting a $54.9 million shortfall in 2025–26, down from $88.9 million in 2024–25.

During the workshop, officials highlighted several unmatched and underfunded student programs that contribute to the district’s budget deficit. These programs, often mandated or necessary to meet student needs, are not fully funded by the state, creating structural funding gaps the district must cover with local resources.

The district is proposing an increase in the total tax rate for the 2025–26 school year. The estimated rate of $1.1562 per $100 of assessed property valuation would be up from $1.0509 in 2024–25. This total includes the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) rate, which funds day-to-day operations, and the Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate, which supports debt service.

The highest rate the district can adopt before requiring voter approval at an election is $1.051448. A tax rate election would be automatically held if the district adopts a rate more than the voter-approval rate.

A public meeting to adopt the 2025–26 budget and tax rate is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 24 at the Harris Hill Administration Building – Annex, 601 S. Jupiter Road.

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A new program designed to boost local business and bring the community together is launching in Sachse this spring.

The Taste of Sachse, a month-long event backed by the Sachse Economic Development Corporation, will run from May 5 through June 1 and spotlight the city’s diverse local restaurants and retailers.

Created in celebration of National Small Business Week, observed from May 4 through May 10, the event encourages residents to explore and support participating Sachse businesses by dining and shopping locally. Organizers hope the initiative will increase visibility for small businesses and help strengthen the connection between local entrepreneurs and the community they serve.

To take part in the Taste of Sachse, residents must pick up an official activity card, which will be available at City Hall or at any participating business. Patrons can earn one sticker per business by making a purchase of $10 or more. Once a cardholder collects six stickers, they can either drop off the completed card at City Hall or take a photo of it and email it to the address provided on the card.

Participants are limited to one activity card per household, and only one sticker per business will be allowed per card. However, a variety of businesses across the city are participating, giving residents plenty of options to complete their cards and discover new favorites.

Local eateries such as Cane Rosso, I Heart Donuts, Yoko Sushi–Thai–Sake, Haus of Boba, Bop Joa, The Brass Tap, Palatables Shawarma & Grill, Jakes Burgers, Dough Gourmet Pizza, Pho Sation, Sachse Nutrition, Tropical Smoothie Café, Donuts Palace, Woodbridge Cafe and Manny’s Tex-Mex are among those joining the effort.

The first 50 participants to submit a completed card will automatically receive a small prize. Additionally, all valid entries will be included in a drawing for a larger prize at the end of the promotion.

The prize drawing is intended to add an element of fun and reward for those who take the time to support local businesses during the event.

City officials and organizers plan to promote the Taste of Sachse through social media platforms and signage throughout the community. The program is part of a broader effort to energize the local economy and recognize the important role small businesses play in shaping the character and vitality of Sachse.

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CCAD mailed the 2025 real property appraisal notices to property owners on April 15 and owners have until May 15 to file an appeal. Business personal property mailings are scheduled for mid-May.

For more on this story see the May 1, 2025 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

The long-anticipated McMillen Road expansion — a $21 million infrastructure project meant to connect the cities of Wylie and Murphy with a safer, wider route — has been in limbo following a federal shutdown in March 2024.

The halt, ordered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers due to a lack of proper permitting, has left residents frustrated, businesses burdened and city officials working to untangle the fallout from what has become one of the most controversial projects in recent memory.

Approved by Wylie City Council in late September 2023, the project was awarded to McMahon Contracting, the low bidder among seven proposals ranging from $19 million to $26 million. The original design, as first reported by The Wylie News on Oct. 4, 2023, aimed to transform the two-lane stretch between McCreary Road and Country Club Road into a four-lane thoroughfare.

For more on this story see the April 24, 2025 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

At the beginning of the Monday, April 21 meeting, council recognized the city’s Community Emergency Response Team for their efforts during the May 28 windstorms, when members assisted emergency operations.

Police Chief Bryan Sylvester accepted proclamations for Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, joined by Dispatcher Sharlene Thompson. Sylvester also offered remarks on the importance of their roles.

During public comments, speakers voiced concerns about Islamic worship facilities, including remarks about large-scale religious centers and their perceived impacts.

For more on this story see the April 24, 2025 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

For more on this story see the April 3, 2025 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees recognized several outstanding achievements during their Feb. 24, 2025, meeting. Among the honorees were members of the Wylie East High School All-State Choir and the Wylie High School All-State Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra and Choir.

For more on this story see the February 27, 2025 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

Every two years, the Texas Legislature meets in Austin for a session that allows lawmakers to debate, negotiate and enact policies shaping the state’s future. The first few days of the session are largely ceremonial but set the tone for the months of work ahead.

For more on this story see the January 9, 2025 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

GISD received a score of 100, which is a superior achievement according to the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) financial accountability system. This year’s evaluation included 21 indicators—an increase from the previous year—and was aimed at assessing how effectively financial resources are allocated for instructional purposes.

For more on this story see the October 31, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

City staff and council members wrapped up the months-long process at their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 16.

No one spoke during public comments and the three items were approved unanimously.

For more on this story see the September 19, 2024 print, or digital edition of The Sachse News. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.