LA JOYA, Texas โ La Joya Independent School District shared its proposed 2025โ2026 budget during a public workshop held Wednesday, June 4, 2025 outlining a plan that not only closes a $10.4 million deficit but also invests over $55 million in key district priorities, including staff compensation, academic achievement, and operational improvements.
โWe are very proud to be able to present our Board, our employees, and our community, with a balanced budget that addresses some of the areas that our stakeholders have been asking for in terms of compensation and a clear investment in student achievement, quality programming, and student well-being. This budget lays a strong foundation for the first year of our District Strategic Plan,โ said Dr. Marcey Sorensen, Superintendent.
Mirgitt Crespo, Chief of Business and Administrative Services, presented a comprehensive overview of how La Joya ISD has shifted from financial shortfall to strategic investment through realignment, staffing adjustments, and ongoing fiscal discipline. The proposed budget includes a 4% salary increase for all eligible employees, La Joya ISDโs first across-the-board raise in three years.
โThis budget reflects a thoughtful and disciplined approach to putting students first while valuing our employees,โ said Mirgitt Crespo, Chief of Business and Administrative Services. โWeโve worked hard to stabilize our finances, and now weโre able to reinvest in the people and programs that will move this district forward.
The proposal includes $55.9 million in targeted investments aligned to the districtโs emerging strategic plan, including:
$18.2 million for โEmpowered Graduatesโ initiatives such as P-TECH pathways, college and career readiness, and high-quality instructional materials.
$14.1 million for โThriving Students,โ including expanded mental health services and multi-tiered systems of support.
$13.2 million in โOperational Excellence and Financial Stabilityโ including compensation increases for all employees, increases to employee stipends, technology upgrades, safety enhancements, and a facilities master plan.
The district also emphasized relief provided through anticipated legislative changes, including modest increases in the stateโs basic allotment and new funding for Pre-K, school safety, special education, and teacher compensation.
While the district remains encouraged by current progress, it acknowledges that pending legislative decisions may impact final funding levels. Proposed state-level increases in the basic allotment, Pre-K, special education, and teacher compensation funding are still under review and could influence final budget allocations.
โWe are closely monitoring legislative developments and will adjust accordingly to ensure our budget remains responsible and responsive,โ Crespo added.
The final budget adoption is scheduled for June 18, 2025, with the proposed tax rate to be considered in September. The estimated tax savings per household is $50.80 per $100,000 of property value.
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