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 2026-27 school year, GISD anticipates receiving $17.5 million in state funding (a decrease over last year). This accounts for about 60% of the district’s total revenue. An additional $10.6 million (36%) will come from local tax collections and other local sources. Finally, just a little over $1 million (about 4%) comes from federal funds, primarily tied to indirect costs and specific student support services like special education.
Total revenue for the 2026-27 school year is $29.2 million, with expenses projected at $30.6 million and a nearly $1.4 million deficit for the district to manage out of before the next school year. This is primarily due to increases in employee compensation to recruit and retain quality staff. Districts can find ways to reduce expenses and/or utilize fund balance to cover an operating deficit.
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.