Eagle Mountain-Saginaw school leaders aim to balance the budget by 2029 but are currently facing a $16 million shortfall. Despite this, they have approved maintaining the property tax rate and signed off on a $286.5 million general fund budget.
Superintendent Jerry Hollingsworth emphasized that the current situation is unsustainable. However, Deputy Superintendent Walter Berringer suggested exploring alternative solutions, such as increasing attendance rates and attracting students who left for other school choices.
The district, which serves over 24,000 students, has experienced significant growth in recent years. However, it also faces a loss of 2,806 students to neighboring districts last year.
State funding is tied to student enrollment, with the basic per-student funding starting at $6,215. Lawmakers recently increased this amount, along with other funding categories such as teacher pay and safety measures.
Despite these changes, Marilyn Tolbert, school board president, expressed her desire for further increases in public education funding. She argued that the state’s recent teacher raises do not cover all educators who contribute to student success.
Hollingsworth emphasized the need for adequate funding from the state, stating that it would allow districts to allocate resources effectively to their staff.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/26/eagle-mountain-saginaw-isd-lays-out-plan-to-cut-16m-shortfall