JUSTIN, Texas – Northwest Independent School District (NISD) is the latest North Texas district to announce cost-cutting measures in response to significant budget challenges.
Last month, the school board approved a series of recommendations aimed at addressing financial shortfalls, including reductions in full-time faculty and staff, as well as increases in class sizes. These measures are projected to save the district approximately $5.7 million.
Under the approved plan, the district will halt hiring new full-time staff at the elementary level and eliminate around 60 full-time positions at the middle and high school levels. Additionally, staffing for athletics and fine arts programs will be reduced by 15%, generating an estimated $1.1 million in additional savings.
While the district hopes to achieve these reductions through retirements and resignations, officials have acknowledged that some layoffs may be unavoidable. The affected positions span teachers, administrative personnel, and support staff.
The board also voted to discontinue several programs, including AVID, a college preparation initiative designed to support first-generation college students.
Changes to Class Sizes and Additional Cost-Saving Measures
As part of the cost-saving plan, class sizes will increase across multiple grade levels. Grades 2-4 will see an increase from 22 to 24 students per class, while middle and high school teachers will now instruct up to 180 students per day, up from the previous cap of 165.
During a recent board meeting, officials reported that 18 employees have already submitted early resignations, with the majority retiring from their positions.
Additional cost-cutting measures under consideration include reducing middle school field trips, scaling back outsourced services such as custodial and groundskeeping work, and implementing a 10% reduction in campus budgets.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
As with similar budget-cutting decisions in other districts, the news has been met with strong emotions from students, parents, and faculty.
“Still kind of in shock, emotional,” said parent Jill Brumley. “My daughter is an overcomer. No matter what is thrown her way, she just takes it one step at a time. And I tell her all the time, ‘You’re going to be a world-changer, girl.’”
The district aims to finalize all reassignments and reallocations by April 7.