Texas Leadership Charter School District is budgeting this year for a total student population of 4,250 across all of its campuses, which are located in San Angelo, Abilene, Midland, Arlington and Cedar Hill.
During TLCS’s July school board meeting held July 24, the Board of Directors was notified that all campuses were fully enrolled with a total of 4,152 students for the 2025-2026 school year.
Staff is preparing the budget projecting student enrollment of 4,250 with a total budget of $49,982,677. This is an increase over last year’s budget of $44,507,455.
While state revenue, overall, increased this year, according to Superintendent Walt Landers, that was all smoke and mirrors.
“The state gives the impression they gave all this money, but it is not as much as we thought, because of all the conditions put on it.” Landers said.
The Average Daily Attendance (ADA) allotment only increased $55 per student. Other funds were specifically directed toward teacher pay and stipends specifically by the legislature, which left no discretion to the local district.
Whether that funding continues in the future is also unknown.
It is much easier to take away the specific supplements and stipends than to reduce the ADA. If those appropriations are repealed in two years, TLCS staff expects the district may be in a difficult financial position.
TLPS is still in a good position for now because their population is growing, but remains under 5,000 students. Landers explained that if they cross the 5,000-enrollment threshold, they will receive less funding from the state.
“Rural schools are going to suffer more.” Landers said.
