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Fort Bend ISD Proposes Bold Budget Plan to Balance Staff Support with Fiscal Reality

Edward Saenz
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Fort Bend ISD Proposes Bold Budget Plan to Balance Staff Support with Fiscal Reality

June 12, 2025 | Fort Bend County, TX – In a bold move to support its staff and maintain district stability, the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) has unveiled a proposed $1.1 billion budget for the 2025–26 school year, confronting a projected $34 million deficit head-on.

The proposed budget focuses on staff compensation, mental wellness, and operational efficiency—all while navigating the rising costs of running one of the largest school districts in Texas.

Investing in Teachers and Staff

At the heart of the proposal is a $30.7 million compensation package designed to attract and retain talent. Highlights include:

  • A $1,200 one-time stipend for full-time employees ($600 for part-time)
  • Two additional paid wellness days to support staff mental health
  • A base salary increase for teachers, raising the starting salary to $63,000
  • Mandatory raises of $2,500–$5,000 for eligible teachers
  • Raises of $515 for qualifying non-instructional staff
  • Hiring bonuses of up to $5,000 for high-need roles
  • No changes to employee health insurance contributions, maintaining current coverage levels

“This is not just a budget—it’s a commitment to our people,” said a district spokesperson. “Our educators and staff are the backbone of the community, and this plan acknowledges that.”

Temporary Tax Adjustment Using ‘Disaster Pennies’

To help bridge the budget gap, FBISD is proposing a temporary tax rate increase—from $0.99 to $1.06 per $100 of assessed property value. This increase leverages a state provision known as “disaster pennies,” which allows school districts to raise additional revenue without a voter referendum when recovering from a disaster—in this case, Hurricane Beryl.

Importantly, due to statewide tax compression laws recently passed in Austin, most homeowners are still expected to see a net tax break, even with the rate hike.

Warning Signs for 2026–27

While the 2025–26 plan aims to stabilize the district, projections for the following school year are less optimistic. A $26.2 million deficit is already forecast for 2026–27. If unaddressed, the shortfall could force school consolidations, staff cuts, or a voter-approved tax election.

The district is proactively exploring cost-saving measures, including the potential closure of under-enrolled elementary schools, administrative reductions, and reevaluation of non-essential programs.

What’s Next

The proposed budget will be debated and likely finalized by the FBISD Board of Trustees in late June. The district is also planning public engagement opportunities to address taxpayer concerns and solicit community input.

For Fort Bend ISD, the message is clear: balancing financial responsibility with staff support is not easy—but it’s necessary.

Mayor Whitmire and Reliant Launch Cooling Centers to Combat Houston Heat

Edward Saenz
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Mayor Whitmire and Reliant Launch Cooling Centers to Combat Houston Heat

HOUSTON, TX – June 12, 2025 — As scorching summer temperatures settle over Houston, Mayor John Whitmire, in partnership with Reliant Energy, has unveiled a major relief initiative aimed at protecting residents from the dangers of extreme heat. The new “Beat the Heat” program includes the opening of 22 public cooling centers across the city and Harris County, providing essential respite for vulnerable communities.

A Citywide Effort to Stay Cool

Twelve city-run and ten county-operated cooling centers will remain open through September, offering not only air-conditioned refuge but also a suite of helpful amenities. Visitors to the centers can enjoy snacks, social activities, and access free monthly consultations to better manage their electricity bills.

“The summer heat in Houston isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be deadly, especially for our seniors and low-income residents,” Mayor Whitmire said during a press conference. “This program is about keeping people safe, cool, and connected.”

Supporting Seniors with A/C Units

As part of the initiative, Reliant Energy is donating 153 portable air conditioners, which will be distributed to senior residents most in need. These units are expected to make a life-saving difference for those living without adequate home cooling systems.

Resilience for the Long Haul

This push for preparedness comes on the heels of last year’s powerful derecho and Hurricane Beryl, both of which left thousands without power or communication for days. In response, Houston will receive an estimated $314 million in federal aid to fortify its infrastructure against future crises.

Among the top priorities is the installation of permanent generators at critical facilities. The Kashmere Gardens Multi-Service Center, one of the city’s designated resilience hubs, is already slated to receive a $900,000 generator upgrade. Mayor Whitmire has committed to installing 100 such generators across the city by 2027.

“Being prepared for the next storm starts now,” said Whitmire. “We’re not just reacting—we’re building a city that’s ready to withstand what comes next.”

Where to Find Help

Cooling centers are strategically located across neighborhoods to ensure accessibility. Residents can check the City of Houston’s website or call 311 for up-to-date information on center locations and hours.

As temperatures continue to climb, city officials are urging residents to check on their neighbors, especially seniors and those without reliable air conditioning.

House Narrowly Approves Cuts to NPR, PBS, and Foreign Aid

Que Onda Editorial
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House Narrowly Approves Cuts to NPR, PBS, and Foreign Aid

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, left, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise conduct a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center after a meeting of the House Republican Conference on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.© Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The House of Representatives voted 214-212 on Thursday to pass a controversial rescissions package aimed at slashing $9.4 billion in previously approved funding, including cuts to NPR, PBS, and international aid programs. All Democrats opposed the measure, and only four Republicans broke ranks to vote against it. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Trump Pressures GOP for Support

Former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to back the measure, calling it a “no brainer” in a post on Truth Social. “Every single Republican in Congress should vote, ‘YES,’” he wrote.

Focus on Cutting Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting

The package primarily targets international assistance and media funding. It would cancel $8.3 billion in funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and eliminate $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the cuts, calling them part of the “DOGE effort” — the Department of Government Efficiency initiative. “Today’s passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step toward a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first,” Johnson said.

Funding for NPR and PBS Under Fire

PBS received $325 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting this year, and Johnson argued such funding is outdated. “There is no reason for any media organization to be singled out to receive federal funds — especially those who appear to have so little regard for the truth,” he said.

Controversy Over Cuts to Global Health

Some Republicans expressed concern over proposed reductions to global health programs. The package includes cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program launched by George W. Bush that has been credited with saving millions of lives.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine strongly objected. “PEPFAR cuts make no sense to me whatsoever, given the extraordinary record of PEPFAR in saving lives,” she said.

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska initially opposed the bill due to the PEPFAR cuts but eventually supported it after closed-door GOP meetings.

Scalise and GOP Leaders Signal Strong Support

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise called the vote a major first step. “Our members are ready to go lock in some of those DOGE cuts,” he said. “It’s a good start.”

Speaker Johnson added, “House Republicans are serious about getting our fiscal house in order, and we’ll do that.”

What’s Next in the Senate

The rescissions package now heads to the Senate, where it needs only a simple majority to pass. Senate Majority Whip John Thune said the chamber is currently prioritizing a broader budget bill aligned with Trump’s agenda. He indicated that work on the rescissions package may not begin until July.

For more updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Disneyland Resort revela las festividades de Halloween de 2025

Que Onda Editorial
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Disneyland Resort revela las festividades de Halloween de 2025

Las celebraciones otoñales más esperadas regresan al Disneyland Resort a partir del 22 de agosto con experiencias espeluznantes, homenajes culturales y entretenimiento para toda la familia. El resort ha revelado un calendario lleno de actividades que incluyen la tradicional Halloween Time, la vibrante Plaza de la Familia y el exclusivo evento nocturno Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party.

Halloween Time: Magia Otoñal del 22 de agosto al 31 de octubre

El espíritu de Halloween se apodera de Disneyland Resort con decoraciones encantadas, atracciones transformadas y personajes disfrazados. Los visitantes podrán disfrutar de la icónica calabaza gigante de Mickey en Main Street, U.S.A., y nuevas versiones espeluznantes de atracciones como:

  • Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween
  • Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree
  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspirada en The Nightmare Before Christmas

También regresa el espectáculo nocturno Halloween Screams con fuegos artificiales en noches selectas, y la búsqueda interactiva Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit por todo el resort.

Los hoteles del Disneyland Resort se suman a la experiencia con dulces exhibiciones en Disney’s Grand Californian, un menú de cócteles inspirado en los Villanos Disney en el nuevo Broken Spell Lounge del Disneyland Hotel, y desayunos temáticos como Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween y Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Buffet.

Plaza de la Familia: Un Tributo al Día de los Muertos

Del 22 de agosto al 2 de noviembre, Disney California Adventure Park celebrará el legado del Día de los Muertos con Plaza de la Familia, una experiencia inspirada en la película Coco. Este homenaje cultural incluye:

  • El espectáculo musical The Storytellers of the Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!
  • Música en vivo, manualidades y decoración tradicional
  • Un menú mexicano especial en Paradise Garden Grill
  • El lanzamiento de la nueva Disney Pixar Coco Collection en septiembre

Además, Frontierland en Disneyland Park también honrará esta tradición con coloridas ofrendas cerca del Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante.

Oogie Boogie Bash: Fiesta Nocturna del 17 de agosto al 31 de octubre

Courtesy:(Disneyland Resort)

La esperada fiesta “after-hours” Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party regresa a Disney California Adventure Park en noches selectas. Este evento requiere boleto por separado y estará disponible al público general el 26 de junio a partir de las 9 a.m. PT.

Durante el evento, los visitantes podrán disfrutar:

  • El desfile Frightfully Fun Parade
  • El recorrido inmersivo Villains Grove
  • Apariciones especiales de personajes
  • Acceso anticipado al parque y a atracciones selectas
  • Descargas ilimitadas de fotos con Disney PhotoPass

También estará disponible la Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party, que incluye postres temáticos y asientos reservados para el desfile.

Continúa la Celebración del 70 Aniversario

Las experiencias del 70º Aniversario de Disneyland siguen presentes durante el otoño, con espectáculos como:

  • Paint the Night
  • Tapestry of Happiness en “it’s a small world”
  • World of Color – Happiness! en noches seleccionadas

Además, detalles decorativos, experiencias interactivas con MagicBand+ y fotos conmemorativas continúan disponibles en todo el resort.

What you need to know about flood-prone areas to avoid in Houston this week

ABC13 Houston
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What you need to know about flood-prone areas to avoid in Houston this week

Much of southeast Texas has already picked up around 1 to 2 inches of rain this week. And with more rounds of heavy rain expected through Saturday, the ABC13 Weather Team has the region on Weather Watch for street and area flooding this week.

As the ground continues to get more and more saturated with each passing round of rain, any future rain will fall as runoff instead of getting soaked into the ground. This leads to a higher risk of street and area flooding, especially street flooding as runoff can pool and linger, leading to ponding on roads and even some minor flooding at times.

Underpasses and frontage roads have the highest likelihood of flooding this week. It only takes about 10 inches of rain to stall a car, and then about a foot of rain can float most vehicles. The danger here is the car could continue to float away or take on more water while sitting in the flooding. And many roads that can be covered in standing water are deceiving, with the depth of the water usually being much deeper than it appears.

Flash flooding and other area flooding near rivers, creeks, and streams also can’t be ruled out this week when the heaviest storms are overhead and linger. On average, rainfall rates of about 2 to 3 inches an hour with slow-moving showers and storms will prompt a Flood Advisory if not a Flash Flood Warning. And remember, Flash Flood Warning means take immediate action to either avoid an area or seek higher ground.

Thankfully, the expected dry time between raindrops will allow for all this rainwater to drain through the region’s rivers, creeks, and bayou system. Prolonged or major bayou flooding is not expected this week.

Houston Seeks $4.6 Million State Grant for Pedestrian Bridge Near McReynolds Middle School

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Seeks $4.6 Million State Grant for Pedestrian Bridge Near McReynolds Middle School

Houston is seeking a $4.6 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to help fund a $5.8 million pedestrian bridge over the Union Pacific train tracks near McReynolds Middle School.

The request is being made under TxDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program.

The project aims to address long-standing safety concerns in the Denver Harbor neighborhood—concerns that intensified following the tragic death of 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez, who was struck and killed by a train last year while crossing the tracks on his way to Milby High School.

Council Member Mario Castillo, who represents District H, emphasized the urgent need for safer pedestrian infrastructure.

“There were instances of kids crawling under the train to get to class,” Castillo said. “The residents were absolutely convinced that if something was not done, a kid was going to get hurt or potentially killed.”

Castillo said residents first raised these safety issues during a town hall shortly after he took office. They reported that trains would often stall next to the school, blocking students from getting to and from class.

Despite widespread support, the project has encountered setbacks. The city is now applying for its second grant after a previous federal funding request was denied. On Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved an ordinance greenlighting Houston Public Works to apply for the state grant.

Although nine Union Pacific train tracks run near Houston Independent District schools across Houston, Castillo said this particular crossing has become a priority for Union Pacific, which has been “cooperative” in working toward a solution alongside the city, Harris County, and other stakeholders.

Union Pacific is funding and managing the design phase of the pedestrian bridge, helping to reduce overall project costs.

So far, funding for the project includes contributions from:

  • City of Houston: $465,364.40 (local match)
  • Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia: $698,046.60 (60% of local share)
  • Union Pacific: design phase contributions

The remaining funds—just over $4.6 million—are being requested from the state. If the grant is approved, funds are expected to be distributed in the fall.

In the meantime, the city and Union Pacific implemented a train curfew to restrict rail activity during the start and end of the school day.

“That has helped, but it’s not a total solution,” Castillo said. “Prior to the curfew, if the train stalled, it would block kids from getting to school—sometimes right before class started. They want to be on time; they don’t want to get in trouble. It creates an unsafe situation.”

If the state grant is denied, Castillo assured that the city would continue to work towards finding funding sources including, re-applying to the federal grant or requesting Union Pacific to fund more of the project.

For more on Houston City Council, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine every week.

City of Houston working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown

ABC13 Houston
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City of Houston working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The City of Houston is working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Office confirmed his administration is working with case managers from several non-profits to decommission homeless encampments Downtown. Case managers visit sites for several weeks, working to move homeless Houstonians into housing before a camp is decommissioned, according to Whitmire’s office.

Houston Housing and Community Development Department Director Mike Nichols said 46 people were connected with a “housing solution” from a Chartres site; at least 19 from Allens Landing; and 15 from Bayou Place.

“Housing Solutions means a variety of different housing options to include permanent housing, temporary shelter, family reunification, diversion or other intervention services,” Nichols explained.

ABC13 spoke with a woman who asked only to be identified by her first name, Jennifer. She said she had been homeless for more than a decade before she was approached at her encampment by non-profit case managers last year. After several weeks of visits, Jennifer said she, her boyfriend, and her dog all agreed to move into housing.

“We’re all good people. Just because we lost a roof over our head or something went bad in our life or we had something unlucky happen to us – we still have the same heart in our chest and the same brain in our head and we still have the same emotions that everybody else has,” she said.

On Wednesday, District K Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum expressed the need for greater city coordination around the effort. She said her office has received an uptick in complaints regarding “more homeless individuals in spaces that we traditionally have not seen,” including neighborhoods.

Whitmire’s office said they’re looking to open a new shelter but have yet to identify a site.

“I also want to make sure that when we’re looking at these transition facilities, we’re being equitable as well. We’ve had several already on the East End,” District I Council Member Joaquin Martinez said.

“There are more vacant buildings on this planet than there are homeless people. It’s just astonishing the way the politics are all involved in this,” Jennifer said. “Everybody needs a fair chance, OK? We’re all God’s children. We all stumble and fall.” Fall down seven times, get up eight.”

On Monday, the initiative is slated for discussion at a Houston City Council Committee meeting.

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Harris County Judge

Edward Saenz
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Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Harris County Judge

Annise Parker, former Houston Mayor, is poised to re-enter Houston politics, announcing her candidacy for Harris County Judge in 2026. This sets the stage for a potential Democratic primary challenge against incumbent Lina Hidalgo, who has held the seat since 2019 and narrowly secured re-election in 2022.

Hidalgo has not yet publicly committed to her 2026 plans. Parker is the first prominent Democrat to declare a run for the position overseeing the Commissioners Court of Texas’ most populous county.

In a statement, Parker articulated her campaign’s core objectives: “I’m running for Harris County Judge to keep our county safe, affordable, and thriving. I’m running to fight the chaos that is hurting our seniors, families, and small businesses. I’m running to fight for US.”

Parker also took aim at Republican President Donald Trump, who began his second term in January, stating, “Donald Trump is throwing millions of Americans off healthcare to fund tax cuts for billionaires – and gutting FEMA, which pays for our local response to hurricanes, flooding, and major disasters.”

Historically, Parker made history in 2010 as the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor of a major American city. She served two terms as Houston’s mayor and has been out of politics since 2016. She holds the distinction of being the only individual to have served as mayor, controller, and council member in Houston.

Following her mayoral tenure, Parker served as CEO and President of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political action committee, a position she resigned from in December 2024.

Currently, the only other candidate in the Harris County Judge race is Aliza Dutt, the Republican Mayor of Piney Point Village, who was elected in 2024.

At least 6 men detained by ICE steps outside courtroom after judge dismisses cases, lawyer says

ABC13 Houston
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At least 6 men detained by ICE steps outside courtroom after judge dismisses cases, lawyer says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A number of detentions made by ICE agents at the federal immigration courthouse on Gesner in the last two days have garnered attention as people question why the men were detained, how it was able to happen, and if their due process is being violated.

A video shot by ABC13 shows two men cuffed and surrounded by ICE agents on Tuesday. Immigration lawyer Bianca Santorini said between Monday and Tuesday that six men from Mexico and South America were detained steps outside the courtroom after their immigration cases were dismissed by a judge.

Santorini said the men were in court for a notice to appear. A notice to appear is a hearing to plead your case before a judge on why you should be able to stay in the United States.

But these men allegedly never got that opportunity.

“Due process does not mean you entered illegally and you get to stay, but due process in the constitution means you get that one day in court, and that’s what we’re asking to be respected,” Santorini said.

According to Cesar Espinosa with the immigration rights group FIEL, they used to want cases to be dismissed so they could pursue asylum or other means of staying in the country. But now, with ICE agents waiting outside the courtroom doors, those other avenues are cut off.

Santorini said the detention of these men is possible through President Trump’s signature on an executive order.

ABC13 spoke to Sushum Modi, a former professor of immigration and current lawyer with the Modi law firm. He said expedited removal used to only be enforceable within 100 miles of the border but now spans the country, and allows someone to be removed from the country without seeing a judge if they’ve been in the US from less than two years.

“If they have proof that they’ve been here more than two years, whether it’s bank records, leasing agreements, they should carry that with them to show they are not subject to expedited removal,” Modi said.

The executive order on the White House webpage points towards targeting criminals and violent offenders, but Santorini said none of the men she’s now representing pro-bono have criminal records.

Modi said the courts know the men have no criminal records based on the process they went through to get their court appearances.

“Often they were paroled out of immigration jail, so the majority, probably the vast majority had no criminal history whatsoever, and an ICE officer found they deserved to be paroled out…and they have a fingerprinting, a biometrics that they have to go through,” Modi said.

According to a memo on the ICE government website, ICE agents are allowed to carry out enforcement near or in courthouses.

When ABC13 emailed ICE about arresting people inside courthouses, they sent us a statement saying in part if immigrants have credible claim that they will be in danger in their home countries, they will continue the immigration proceedings, otherwise they will be deported.

“We’re seeing a huge amount of fear, and in a way a lot of people feel trapped,” Modi said.

Both Modi and Santorini said they worry these actions will deter people who are trying to gain legal status from showing up to court. Santorini is encouraging migrants to still go.

“Show up, but if you have been here less than two years, do not come without an attorney,” Santorini said.

Santorini said at least three of the men detained have pending asylum cases that were filed in a timely manner.

Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy Texas National Guard in anticipation of protests

ABC13 Houston
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Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy Texas National Guard in anticipation of protests

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he was deploying the Texas National Guard to multiple locations across the state to “ensure peace and order.”

The deployment comes ahead of planned protests this week in Texas, including one in San Antonio.

A statement from Abbott’s office obtained by ABC News’ affiliate KSAT confirmed the deployment, saying Guardsmen were ready to “uphold law and order across our state.”

“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles,” Abbott’s office said in a statement. “Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law.”

Abbott’s move comes amid the escalating protests in Los Angeles, where activists have been protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

The protests in Los Angeles have at times turned violent. President Donald Trump ordered both the National Guard and the Marines to Southern California in recent days.

“Peaceful protest is legal,” Abbott said on Tuesday. “Harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest.”

He said the Texas National Guard would “use every tool and strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.”

Assistant Chief of the San Antonio Police Department Jesse Salame also confirmed to KSAT that Guard members have been sent to San Antonio.

Currently, it’s unclear if any National Guard personnel will be deployed to Houston.

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