A Sense of Responsibility:
Budgeting Wisely in GISD
People First: Where Our Dollars Make the Most Sense
GISD’s $30.8 million general operating budget is built on one clear priority: people. With 336 educators and support personnel, the majority of our budget—approximately 72%—goes directly to student-focused instructional expenses, including salaries and benefits. The remaining dollars fund day-to-day operations (13%), debt service (12%) and district administrative functions (3%).
72%
Instructional-Related Campus (Student) Costs
$22,050,902
13%
Maintenance & Operational Costs
$4,038,166
12%
Debt Service
$3,753,387
3%
District Administrative Costs
$1,005,563
Where the Dollars Come From
Every dollar in GISD’s operating budget starts with a source—and most of it comes from beyond our local community. For the 2025–26 school year, GISD anticipates receiving nearly $18 million in state funding, which accounts for 60% of its total revenue. An additional $10.6 million (36%) is expected from local tax collections and other local sources. The remaining 4%—about $1.2 million—comes from federal funds, primarily tied to indirect costs and specific student support services like special education.
Total revenue for the 2025-26 year is budgeted at $29.8 million, leaving an approximate deficit of $1 million.
Stretching our Dollars
The district recently approved a change to the fiscal year that will help net an approximate onetime $3 million savings that will help alleviate the approximate $1 million budget deficit this year. We will continue to monitor expenditures in real time and make adjustments as needed throughout the year. Graham ISD is taking steps to improve attendance and increase overall enrollment that will yield additional revenue.