Richardson ISD is trying to grow its way out of a multiyear budget squeeze while preparing another deep round of spending cuts, district leaders told Community Impact in a Sept. 8 report.
Trustees approved a 2026-27 budget with a $20.8 million shortfall in June - the sixth consecutive year the district expects to operate at a deficit, Community Impact reported. Superintendent Tabitha Branum said staff will begin identifying the next round of efficiencies in September, aiming to cut $20 million from the 2027-28 budget.
Cutting costs while chasing students
Community Impact reported that Richardson ISD has cut close to $42 million over the last three years, including $25.7 million in staff reductions and other efficiencies in the current budget. Those moves eliminated 95 full-time central office and campus support positions and ended block scheduling at secondary schools, a change the district estimated would save $11.3 million by reducing the number of class sections needed.
Nearly 85% of RISD’s operating budget pays compensation for teachers and staff, according to the district website as cited by Community Impact. Amanda Brownson, deputy executive director of the Texas Association of School Business Officials, told Community Impact that meaningful savings are difficult without looking at staffing because “the vast majority of funding is tied up in people.”
The 2026-27 operating budget also transfers $9 million from the district’s permanent school fund - described as a rainy-day account - to cover districtwide raises, Community Impact reported. About two-thirds of operating revenue comes from the local maintenance-and-operations tax rate, which is expected to remain unchanged this year.
Open enrollment as a revenue strategy
Branum said increasing enrollment is “the most important way that we can generate revenue,” Community Impact reported. RISD began offering open enrollment in the 2025-26 school year and has enrolled more than 500 out-of-district students over two school years.