THRALL — Not an hour before being named the interim superintendent for the Thrall Independent School District, Blake Schneider presented a balanced 2026-27 budget to trustees who unanimously adopted it.
Schneider made the presentation while still in his role as chief financial officer.
A daycare for the children of district staffers also met with the school board’s approval.
Meanwhile, the balanced budget included a 3% midpoint raise for all pay grades, increased healthcare contributions and additional staffing, specifically for the special education program.
Schneider proposed a tax rate of $1.2011 per $100 property valuation, which is slightly less than last year’s $1.2016.
“Our general fund balance is in great shape,” Schneider said.
From 2018 to the present, Schneider noted the district’s general fund balance has grown by more than 86%, or almost $2.3 million.
However, he noted Thrall ISD’s budget has also risen at about the same rate.
“We’ve always had four months of reserves in our operating (fund), and that’s been very beneficial to us,” Schneider said.
At least one school board member breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’m just thankful the district isn’t in debt like other school districts I’ve heard about,” said trustee Jason Seaton.
A tax valuation still needs to be applied to the budget figures, but Williamson County will not send those out until July 25.
In other news, the district’s daycare received the green light from the state inspector to open its doors. For now, its use is intended for district employees.
“(The inspector) said we are now the only permitted daycare in Thrall and she wanted us to consider in upcoming years, not right now, opening (the program) to the public,” said Director of Programs Jolena Pokorny.
The childcare facility will debut in August with six 2-year-olds of Thrall ISD teachers and staff.
The program is another incentive Thrall ISD wants to promote in its efforts to attract and retain quality employees, officials said.
Thrall ISD holds meetings the third Wednesday of the month, but no session will be held in July. The next one is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at 601 S. Bounds St.
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“Our general fund balance is in great shape.”
— Blake Schneider, Thrall ISD
