Cy-Fair ISD weighs cuts after voters reject tax and bond measures

The failed measures would have raised the district’s tax rate and funded operating needs, infrastructure and classroom technology. Four bond propositions were part of a $1.63 billion package covering renovations, technology, athletic facilities and water filtration. Each measure lost by at least 63 percent, with nearly 198,000 ballots cast.

The district faces a projected operating deficit of nearly $81 million, and leaders said more than $94 million has already been cut over the past three years. Board President Julie Hinaman also said the district could be short $88 million during the 2027-28 school year. The district will begin notifying staff about changes on November 10, including reductions to overtime and out-of-state travel. Superintendent Douglas Killian said the response would take multiple years, with some steps coming quickly.

Leaders also discussed falling enrollment and possible boundary changes. Killian said task forces would examine four major areas across the district. A claim circulating online that the district would seek a three-cent tax increase was false, he said, adding that such a move would be illegal. Trustee Christine Kalmbach said she had shared the claim based on incorrect information and removed the post.

District leaders said they would press state lawmakers for more school funding during the next legislative session. A bill filed November 9 by state Rep. Donna Howard would increase the basic allotment from $6,215 to $7,500 per student, with later increases tied to inflation. Voters opposing the measures cited affordability and concerns about district spending, while some said opposition to the proposals did not mean opposition to public education.

Cy-Fair’s rejected measures leave schools facing cuts as leaders seek state aid

Cy-Fair ISD is confronting a large projected deficit after voters turned down measures intended to support operations, facilities and classroom technology. Nearly 198,000 ballots were cast, and every measure failed by at least 63 percent. The result leaves the district considering reductions even as leaders say schools need resources to meet rising costs.

The district has cut more than $94 million over three years and projects an operating deficit of nearly $81 million. Board President Julie Hinaman cited an $88 million shortfall for the 2027-28 school year. Starting November 10, staff will be notified of changes, including cuts to overtime and out-of-state travel. The district also plans to examine enrollment declines and possible boundary changes.

District leaders said the state should help address schools’ funding needs. State Rep. Donna Howard filed a bill on November 9 to raise the per-student basic allotment from $6,215 to $7,500 and tie future increases to inflation. Cy-Fair leaders plan to advocate in the next legislative session. Voters’ concerns about affordability and district spending remain real, but rejecting these measures leaves schools facing difficult adjustments without the proposed revenue.

Cy-Fair voters reject tax hikes as district turns to cuts and state funding

Cy-Fair voters rejected every proposed tax and bond measure, with each losing by at least 63 percent among nearly 198,000 ballots cast. The decision reflects opposition to asking taxpayers for more while families face affordability pressures and residents question how district finances were managed.

The rejected proposals included a tax-rate increase and a $1.63 billion bond package for renovations, technology, athletic facilities and water filtration. The district now faces a projected operating deficit of nearly $81 million, after cutting more than $94 million over three years. Board President Julie Hinaman cited an $88 million deficit projected for 2027-28. Cuts to overtime and out-of-state travel are among the changes staff will hear about beginning November 10.

District leaders also intend to seek more state support, and a bill filed November 9 would lift per-student funding from $6,215 to $7,500, with later increases linked to inflation. They should not treat state funding as a substitute for addressing spending choices at home. Voters have spoken against the proposed measures; the district must now adjust its plans to the revenue available.