by Nicole Bradford
Adopting its 2024-25 school year budget, the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees remained hopeful as the district projects a surplus.
“Teacher starting salary we’re proud to say is going from $60,500 to $62,700,” PISD Superintendent Larry Berger said.
The lion’s share, approximately 61 percent of the district’s $215 million general fund, goes to instruction, 12 percent to student services, and another 12 percent to facilities.
The board on June 11 adopted a budget for a new fiscal year, but the tax rate will be adopted in August or September, after certified property values are received on July 25 and the state issues a maximum compressed tax rate.
The tax rate for Pearland is projected to be $1.15 per $100 valuation.
The board on June 11 approved additional personnel and other expenses that reduced a projected $3.6 million surplus to $2.7 million.
“This is the first time since I’ve been on this board that we’ve had a balanced budget,” Trustee Toni Carter said. “I want to thank our taxpayers for that, for supporting us with the VATRE.”
Berger warned the board that it may not last.
“Our planning for financial stability is short-lasting,” he said. “In 2026, we are back looking at a budget deficit.”
Among the factors impacting PISD’s revenue are declining enrollment and lower daily attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimated at 25,715 for fiscal year 2025, district enrollment is expected to drop to 19,823 by 2029.
It is still unknown, Berger said, how a new charter school opening in Pearland will affect PISD’s numbers.
“We have not received confirmation of how many Pearland ISD students have elected to go to that school,” he said. “So, this enrollment number could change, but we will not know that until school starts.”
