Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) has completed its fiscal year 2024 audit, receiving a clean report from its independent auditor, Whitley Penn.

This annual audit is part of the district's regular financial oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. The audit shows that SBISD continues to manage its finances well, with no issues found. The results were shared at the Board of Trustees' meeting on November 18, 2024.

Key audit findings:

• Clean Opinion: SBISD’s financial statements were reviewed and found to be accurate and in line with national accounting standards.
• Strong Internal Controls: No weaknesses were found in how the district manages its finances.
• Federal Funding: The district’s $59.5 million in federal funds, including programs like ESSER and Title I, were audited with no issues.
• Solid Financial Health: SBISD generated $356.8 million in revenue, with 81% coming from property taxes. It spent $372.8 million, with 61% going to instruction and student services.
• Healthy Fund Balance: SBISD has a $69.1 million fund balance, enough to cover 68 days of expenses, which is within recommended financial guidelines.

The audit also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong fund balance, which acts as working capital to cover expenses until tax revenue arrives. This helps the district avoid borrowing costs and supports its credit rating.

Looking ahead:

The audit included recommendations for the district to keep monitoring recapture payments, carefully manage the fund balance, and submit federal audit information on time. With strong financial practices in place, SBISD is well-positioned for continued stability in the coming year.

 

 

 

As 8th grade students prepare for the transition to high school, it’s a crucial time for both students and families to stay informed and prepared.

To help make this transition as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled a list of important dates and key information for rising 9th graders. In addition to the typical high school preparation activities, SBISD is excited to offer expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) options, providing students with valuable opportunities to explore potential career paths.

Important Dates

Week of January 20
Parent Meetings & Elective Fairs
Each high school campus will host a parent meeting and Elective Fair for incoming 9th grade families. These events will showcase not only academic electives but also the wide range of CTE courses that help prepare students for careers in various fields.

January 23
8th Grade Student Visits to High School
Eighth grade students will visit their zoned high school campus to tour the facilities, meet staff, and learn more about the high school experience.

January 24 - February 7
Course Selection Process
High school counselors will visit 8th grade students at their middle school campuses to guide them through course selection, ensuring they make informed decisions about their academic journey, including CTE pathways.

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Expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways

One of the most exciting developments this year is the expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses as part of our T-2-4 vision. CTE programs offer hands-on, real-world learning in fields such as healthcare, technology, business, culinary arts, and many more. These courses provide students with the skills and certifications needed for both career opportunities and higher education.

Some CTE programs are offered directly at the student’s home campus, while others are available at the Guthrie Center, SBISD's central CTE facility. Adjacent to the current Guthrie Center, construction on a new Guthrie Center is underway. Once completed, the new facility will feature state-of-the-art resources and specialized spaces designed to provide students with an exceptional learning environment.

To help families better understand these exciting new CTE options, we’ve created a short video showcasing expanded CTE programs as well as a sneak peek at the newly designed Guthrie Center. The video highlights the some of the career pathways available to students, providing them with the chance to explore fields that align with their interests and strengths.

 

We encourage families to watch the video together, as it provides an insightful overview of the career-focused opportunities available to incoming high school students. 

• Click here to view video.

• Explore our online course catalogs.

We are here to support our students as they transition into high school and begin exploring their future career options. 

If you have any questions about the transition process or the CTE programs available, please reach out to your school counselor.

 

 

A recent analysis from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research underscores the significant advantages of prekindergarten participation for Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) students.

As part of a regional study on pre-K outcomes across Greater Houston, the findings show that SBISD students who attended pre-K are better prepared for kindergarten and show higher academic performance compared to their peers who did not attend pre-K. Notably, Good Reason Houston's data dashboard also reveals that SBISD kindergarten students are leading the region in achievement.

The benefits of attending pre-K include:

Kindergarten Readiness: SBISD pre-K participants are far more likely to be ready for kindergarten. Specifically, they are 27% more likely to be ready in English and 63% more likely to be ready in Spanish than their peers who did not attend pre-K.

Chronic Absenteeism: Pre-K students in SBISD are less likely to miss school. They have a 14% lower rate of chronic absenteeism in both kindergarten and first grade compared to their non-pre-K peers.

English Proficiency: Emergent bilingual students who attended pre-K in SBISD made significant progress in English language skills. On average, these students scored higher on English proficiency tests, improving by about one-third of a point in both kindergarten and first grade.

These findings highlight the crucial role of early education in setting the foundation for long-term academic success.

A strong foundation 

These positive pre-K outcomes are part of a broader pattern of academic excellence in SBISD. We are committed to providing Every Child with the tools they need to succeed. 

SBISD continues to excel in key areas like STAAR assessments and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR). In 2024, the district achieved its highest-ever CCMR score—73—marking a 9-point increase from the previous year.

SBISD’s success is reflected not only in high scores but also in its rankings. The district ranked in the 92nd percentile for Relative Performance on STAAR assessments among 98 similar Texas districts, reaffirming SBISD’s commitment to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.

According to Good Reason Houston’s 2023 data, SBISD students consistently outperform both local and state averages, particularly in third-grade reading and eighth-grade math—key indicators of long-term academic success and college readiness.

These accomplishments demonstrate SBISD’s dedication to its T-2-4 vision, which ensures every student is prepared for college, career, or military readiness by graduation. 

Families considering SBISD for pre-K

Enrolling your child in SBISD’s pre-K program offers more than just a head start—it gives your child the opportunity to thrive in a district that is at the forefront of academic achievement. With continuous gains in performance, including in critical subjects like reading and math, SBISD is an excellent choice for families seeking a pathway to success for their children.

Enroll your child today!

Visit SBISD’s pre-K website to learn more about enrollment.

We look forward to meeting you and your child!