The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees has approved a balanced budget for the second consecutive year, reducing budgeted costs as enrollment decline is expected to continue.
The adopted 2026-27 budget includes:
$751.899 million in revenue
$751.899 million in spending
Trustees also approved the 2026-27 compensation plan, which includes 2% raises for all staff, capped at $2,000 for central administrators. The plan also includes stipend increases for special education teachers. Learn more in the 2026-27 Compensation Plan.
Cost savings
Although enrollment is declining and per-student funding remains insufficient statewide, the Frisco ISD School Board is committed to balancing the budget each year and scaling down operations with enrollment to support a more sustainable long-term financial plan. This ongoing work includes:
Evaluating every open position in central office for need and efficiency
Standardizing class loads to adjust for declining enrollment
Constantly reviewing individual department budgets
Identifying and implementing new revenue streams when available before cutting programs
Further cost savings have been realized for 2026-27 through instructional coaching adjustments and the closure of Staley Middle School.
New revenue
Revenue generation outside the state’s funding formula was a significant focus of this year’s budget process. The budget for other local revenue was increased for:
Facility rental fee increase. The District will implement a $25-per-hour increase in rental rates for turf and gyms in the 2026-27 school year. Increases will continue in the next two years, as well.
Tuition-based pre-K. The District opened tuition-based pre-K to students both in-District and out-of-district who do not meet the eligibility requirements for state-funded pre-K. FISD expects an additional 600 pre-K students in the 2026-27 school year based on preliminary enrollment data.
Fare-based busing. Beginning in 2026-27, families who do not qualify for a District bus to and from school can pay $70-$90 per month, depending on the number of students in their household, to ride the bus. Discounts will be offered for students on free/reduced lunch, and the District will only sell open seats on preexisting bus routes. More information will be coming soon.
Student Chromebook fees. Beginning in 2026-27, secondary students will pay a $20 annual fee that functions like Chromebook insurance. The fee will cover the cost of the first repair should accidental damage occur. If the fee is not paid, the student must pay the full cost of the device's repair or replacement. A discounted fee will be offered for students on free/reduced lunch.
Contributing factors
Key factors affecting the budget were:
Enrollment. Student enrollment figures have been declining since a 2022-23 peak. Even as new families continue to move in and the District is developed, the number of students graduating from Frisco ISD outpaces new enrollments.
Funding. Employment competition and the overall cost of doing business have strained the operating budgets of every school district in Texas. Public school funding operates on a fixed-income formula tied to enrollment and attendance, so when inflation rises and expenses rise with it, the District does not see a proportionate increase in revenue.
Budget development process
The 2026-27 budget development process began last fall and continued in the spring with public Board workshops.