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DISD Budget Surplus Grows

Superintendent Michael Hinojosa
Superintendent Michael Hinojosa

By Bill Zeeble, KERA News

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-905399.mp3

Dallas, TX – Dallas Schools Superintendent Michael Hinojosa says the District's woefully small reserve fund is improving. But the state says it should be at least 4 to 5 times greater. Administrators cut the budget and imposed tighter financial controls. Hinojosa says it's paying off.

Hinojosa: Well, it's going to be significant. I hesitate to put a number on it. Our goal was going to be $50 million. We're at $37 million, we wanted to get it to $50 million. It looks like we'll exceed that.

Still, the DISD's fund balance should be about $200 million, or 2 months of operating expenses, according to the Texas Education Agency. The balance helps pay for emergency expenses like unexpected building repairs. The Dallas district drastically depleted its reserves more than a year ago to make up for its surprise deficit.

Administrators will brief the school board on the budget next week.

Email Bill Zeeble