Lumberton ISD Prioritizes Students and Staff Amid State Funding Shortfalls

August 7, 2026

Lumberton ISD Protects Classrooms and Prioritizes Employees Despite State Funding Challenges

Lumberton ISD is working to close its projected budget shortfall while protecting classrooms and investing in the employees who serve students every day. Like districts across Texas, Lumberton ISD faces rising costs, declining enrollment and a state funding system that has not kept pace with the cost of educating students.

The district has reduced expenses by leaving some vacant positions unfilled, taking advantage of lower insurance costs and reviewing transportation, maintenance and technology spending. These measures have nearly eliminated the projected deficit before employee raises are considered.

"Our team has worked hard to reduce expenses without taking opportunities away from students," Superintendent Dr. John Mathews said. "But we also must remain competitive in attracting and retaining the outstanding teachers and staff who make Lumberton ISD successful."

Providing even modest employee raises would create a new budget shortfall, so the Board of Trustees is considering whether to call a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). Because Texas law limits how much operating revenue school districts can generate without voter approval, a VATRE would allow voters to decide whether to provide additional funding for employee compensation and other operating needs. The options under consideration could generate approximately $2.62 million annually, with most of the funding coming from the state.That means Lumberton ISD could generate up to $2.62 million at about 25 cents on the dollar to local taxpayers.

"Quality schools depend on quality educators," Board President Lauren Rothe said. "If the state adequately funded public schools, districts like ours would not have to ask local voters for additional support."

Across Texas, many school districts are operating with budget deficits as state funding has failed to keep pace with rising costs. The Lumberton ISD Board has not called a VATRE. If it does, voters will decide whether to provide additional funding for employee compensation and district operations. The consideration is no more than a $0.01 tax rate increase, which equates to about $10 per year for $100,000 of value above the homestead exemption. There is no impact on disabled or senior citizens. Without that funding, the district could face more difficult budget decisions in the future.

As the Board considers its options, Lumberton ISD remains committed to protecting students, supporting employees and preserving the quality of education the community expects.