La Joya ISD Adopts Balanced Budget, Approves 3% Employee Raise While Investing in Strategic Plan Priorities and Keeping Students at the Center
La Joya, TX - The La Joya ISD School Board has approved a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year that invests in employees, students, and academic excellence while maintaining long-term financial stability despite significant financial challenges impacting public education across Texas.
The adopted budget includes a 3% pay increase for all eligible employees and raises the starting salary for teachers, nurses, and librarians to $58,300, demonstrating the District's commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining high-quality educators and staff. The budget also maintains healthy fund balances and will not require a tax increase from our community.
The approval comes at a time when school districts across the state continue to navigate declining enrollment, rising operational costs, workforce shortages, inflationary pressures, and reductions in state and federal funding. Despite these challenges, La Joya ISD successfully developed a balanced budget while addressing an estimated $10.7 million reduction in revenue and having to absorb over $6 million in Head Start costs due to the Hidalgo County Commissioner, Everardo “Ever” Villarreal agreeing to discontinue Head Start services for the La Joya ISD community. La Joya ISD is continuing these services for our students and families at all former Head Start locations in order to ensure that our youngest learners and our families get the education they deserve, at the earliest point possible in their lives.
The budget reflects strategic planning and operational efficiencies that allowed the District to reinvest in the areas that matter most to students, families, and employees.
“This budget demonstrates what is possible when we remain focused on our students, our employees, and our long-term vision,” said Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “Despite significant financial challenges facing public education, La Joya ISD has adopted a balanced budget that invests in our people through a 3% pay increase, strengthens our ability to attract exceptional educators with an increased starting salary, stipends for hard-to fill positions in Special Education, and continues funding the programs and supports our students deserve. Every decision was guided by our commitment to Educational Excellence and our belief that every student deserves access to high-quality opportunities in every classroom, every day.”
The adopted budget includes substantial investments in academic programs, student supports, employee compensation, and operational excellence. These investments align directly with the District's strategic plan, Achieving Excellence Together 2030, and support the District's mission of ensuring educational excellence for every student.
Among the investments included in the budget are:
Approximately $25.5 million in academic initiatives, including curriculum, instruction, and teacher training.
Approximately $30.8 million in student supports, including mental health services, athletics, fine arts, and programs that promote student success.
Approximately $5.6 million in employee compensation improvements, including the 3% raise and increased starting salaries.
Approximately $2M for new buses to improve our Transportation Department
Continued investments in operational excellence and long-term sustainability
“Developing a balanced budget in today's educational environment requires disciplined planning, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to responsible stewardship,” said Mirgitt Crespo, Chief of Business, Finance and Administrative Services. “While many districts across Texas continue to face declining revenues and rising costs, La Joya ISD was able to balance the budget without increasing taxes, maintain healthy fund balances, and make meaningful investments in employee compensation and student services. This budget reflects our commitment to protecting the District's financial stability while ensuring resources are directed where they have the greatest impact on students and staff.”
District leaders noted that the balanced budget was made possible through strategic actions, operational efficiencies, staffing realignments, and reinvestment opportunities that support both immediate needs and long-term success. The budget also continues the District's commitment to investing in students, employees, and innovative programs that improve educational outcomes.
The adopted budget reflects nearly $96 million in strategic reinvestments across academics, student supports, employee compensation, and district operations while maintaining a balanced financial position. Through careful planning and responsible stewardship, La Joya ISD continues to demonstrate that investment in people, strong academic programs, and fiscal responsibility can go hand in hand.
As the District prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, leaders remain focused on advancing the goals of Achieving Excellence Together 2030 and ensuring that every decision supports student success.