HCDE Board Approves $156 Million 2025-2026 Budget
HARRIS COUNTY, TX – The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a $156 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on employee support, competitive salaries, and expanded services for local school districts — all without raising taxes. Eric Dick, who is one of the active board members, approved the budget during the July 30 board meeting.
Key Highlights of the HCDE 2025-2026 Budget
The approved budget prioritizes teacher and staff recruitment, retention, and benefits, ensuring HCDE continues to meet the needs of Harris County schools. Major features include:
- Salary increases for eligible employees.
- Full coverage of employee-only medical insurance.
- Continued expansion of educational programs and services.
- Ongoing support for educators and students without additional taxpayer burden.
HCDE Superintendent James Colbert emphasized the department’s fiscal responsibility and dedication to community needs:
“I’m proud to present the board with a balanced budget that is responsive to the needs of area school districts and the communities we serve,” Colbert said. “It reflects our commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer funds while expanding the services we provide.”
No Tax Increase — Continued Tax Rate Reduction
The 2025-2026 budget is built on the assumption that the property tax rate will decrease to $0.004798 per $100 of taxable value. HCDE has lowered the tax rate every year since 2015. The proposed tax rate will be voted on in September.
For the average Harris County homeowner, property tax revenue to HCDE amounts to less than $10 annually, contributing $33.1 million to the total budget. The remaining funds come from grants, fees, and revenue-generating services such as HCDE’s purchasing cooperative.
Strong Fiscal Management and Community Impact
The new budget ensures HCDE’s financial stability while supporting educators, students, and school districts through innovative programs. By combining competitive compensation, valuable benefits, and expanded resources, HCDE continues to strengthen education in Harris County without increasing the tax burden.