New Finance & Planning Committee Formed at Harlingen CISD

Texas Border Business

– Advertisement –

HARLINGEN, Texas – The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School Board of Trustees prides itself on strong governance, strategic thinking, transparency, and appropriate District oversight. As was mentioned during our September Regular Board meeting, all Texas public schools are facing unprecedented financial constraints. Our financial situation has been impacted by inadequate state funding, with a basic student allotment that hasn’t changed since 2019 despite inflation, rising costs and expenses for healthcare, facility maintenance, food, and transportation, which are also impacted by statewide declining enrollments in public schools.

In order to assist the District in navigating the financial challenges facing our District, the Board formed a new Finance and Planning Committee, which met for the second time on September 17, 2024, to discuss that there were expenditures in the last fiscal year which were incurred.  Many of these expenditures were beyond the approved budget and occurred without adequate communication to the Board. With the establishment of this new committee, the Board plans to increase communication between the Board and Administration and also have time to create a strong fiscal plan for these trying times in public school finance.

This new committee will allow the Board and Administration to focus on our budget planning now for the 2025-2026 school year. The committee also will use this planning time to prioritize local spending, including monetary considerations related in providing for our students and employees.  The Board will work closely with the Interim Superintendent, Dr. Veronica Kortan, to thoroughly study the district’s finances and establish a budget to ensure our teachers and employees are compensated to the full extent possible.  Dr. Kortan, in consultation with the Committee and our Board, will prioritize a budget and expenditures that create sustainable growth and success for Harlingen CISD.

– Advertisement –

The Board has received inquiries from the public regarding the acceptance of a Resignation Agreement with our former Superintendent. The Board believes entering into that Agreement was and still is in the best interest of our students, staff, and community. The Agreement ensures fiscal responsibility amid a challenging financial environment. The former Superintendent had a three-year contract that if paid in full would have exceeded a million dollars. By accepting his resignation, the District is no longer obligated to pay the final two years of this contract.

The Board wishes to thank Harlingen CISD employees, parents, students and community for their patience and support during this challenging period.

– Advertisement –