College Station ISD trustees reviewed a proposed 2026-27 budget at their June 16 meeting, which includes an estimated $8.3 million deficit as district officials battle with declining enrollment, rising costs and major facility needs. However, this number could be lower before the next school year starts.

What readers need to know: During the budget workshop, Chief Financial Officer Heather Wilson said the projected shortfall is driven by lost state funding tied to enrollment declines, $4.6 million in compensation growth and a planned $2 million roof repair project.

The proposal includes a 3% employee compensation increase, staffing additions for career and technical education programs and funding to meet increased state security requirements.

Blinn College trustees approved a $134.2 million budget for the 2026-27 school year June 16, maintaining employee raises and other priorities despite a projected reduction in state funding.

In a nutshell: Executive Vice Chancellor Leighton Schubert said updated projections from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board suggest Blinn could receive about $5.3 million less in state funding than previously expected. The reduction is tied to proposed changes in the state’s community college funding model and a statewide funding shortfall.

Even with the projected decrease, Schubert presented a balanced budget that includes a 2% salary increase, tiered longevity pay and funding for facility repairs and renovations.

Latest update: In a news release, Blinn officials said its spring 2026 enrollment increased 3.31% since last year, marking the college’s highest spring enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bryan and RELLIS campus enrollment both decreased by 5.43% and 3.86%, respectively. Meanwhile, enrollment at the Brenham campus rose 9.85% and dual-credit enrollment increased nearly 22%.

Trustees approved the budget unanimously.

Bryan ISD trustees voted to adopt the use of the Wayfinder application, a new navigation system for its buses, at their June 15 board meeting.

What you need to know: Wayfinder by Transfinder offers real-time GPS for bus routes, optimization of routes and tracking of students by their parents through the app. Transfinder aims to provide “peace of mind by allowing parents to track their child's bus location and estimated arrival time.”

How it works: The district plans to start with a pilot program, which includes a limited number of schools using the technology.

Buses will eventually be equipped with a digital roster of students for identification purposes, including information and photos of the students to help with time management and safety. Deputy Superintendent Brian Merrell said the district would plan on fully integrating the application with other technology services in the future.

What's next: With unanimous approval by the board, the district will pilot the program in the 2026-27 school year at select campuses, using $261,221 from 2020 and 2025 bond funds.

Throughout the long weekend of June 18, Aggieland will be hosting a variety of events for Juneteenth and Father’s Day. Events are subject to change and this is not a comprehensive list.

Freedom Walk and Unity: In celebration of the legacy and importance of Juneteenth, participants will come for a walk and breakfast, live music and different summer camp activities at Lincoln Recreation Center.

• June 18, 9-11 a.m.

• Free (admission)

• 1000 Eleanor Street, College Station

Boots & Bourbon Father's Day Event: 6Whiskey in Bryan will be hosting a bourbon tasting event in honor of Father’s Day. Featuring local bourbon and live music, the event will feature a celebration of the holiday in a Texas style.

• June 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 4114 Lake Atlas Drive, Bryan

June Vendor Market at Hotel McCoy: The vendor market will feature local vendors selling a variety of goods, along with food and drinks.

• June 19, 6-10 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 3702 Highway 6 South, College Station

After meeting in borrowed space since 2020, Providence Church is moving forward with plans to build its first permanent facility in Bryan.

What’s happening: The church currently meets at Kent Moore Cabinets and plans to construct a more than 10,000-square-foot building near Mitchell Elementary School.

Construction bids are expected to open toward the end of June, with hopes of beginning work soon after and moving into the facility before summer 2027. The build is expected to cost $3 million, which is privately funded, as according to state filings.

The new building will include a worship center seating about 200 to 225 people, a fellowship hall, eight Sunday school classrooms and a nursery among other facilities.

Before you go: The church describes itself as a reformed Presbyterian congregation that emphasizes expositional preaching, Christian education and Bible-based worship.

• To be completed summer 2027
• 2610 Austin's Colony Parkway, Bryan