Lone Star College System board sees progress on high-priority budget initiatives

HOUSTON, TX -- The Lone Star College System Board of Trustees convened for a board retreat Jan. 23 to receive updates from administration on key initiatives.

Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., LSCS vice chancellor for finance and administration, said that while many higher education institutions across the country are making budget cuts due to student enrollment declines, that’s not the case for LSCS. The college system has about 4.6 months of operating funds available in cash reserves, and student enrollment is on the rise.

“Lone Star College System is in a very healthy financial position,” Vienne said.

Budget highlights for fiscal year 2026 include:

• Cost-of-living adjustments: LSCS invested approximately $9 million in employee raises in FY 2026. Another $1.5 million went toward raises for the college system’s lowest-paid employees in December.
• LSC-Magnolia Center: With a $1.6 million investment for FY 2026, the new facility opened in January. These funds are allocated for salaries and benefits as well as classroom supplies and equipment.
• New bachelor’s degree program: A new Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching will launch this fall at two campuses with a cohort of 50 students per campus. Startup costs will amount to about $882,880 over the next three years, with full implementation expected by FY 2028.
• Student success and retention: Spring 2025 marked the initial launch of dedicated funding for CARE Center pantries across LSCS campuses. More than 30,000 students received services in the fall 2025 semester, and food continues to be the most-requested form of assistance.
• Mental health and wellness: LSCS is developing an in-house mental health and wellness program as it transitions away from an external provider, allowing the college system to provide a greater level of service at a reduced cost. Clinicians and case managers are in the interview process now, and the program is expected to soft-launch in March.
• Veteran Services: Services catered to veterans and military-affiliated students continue to expand. A self-guided website to support this group and a survey to determine student needs will launch this spring. Additionally, the department is working to strengthen industry partnerships to help veterans find gainful employment.
• Alumni Association: Following a survey launch in November, the college system’s new alumni association is officially kicking off with The Launching Point—a series of events designed to connect alumni across all campuses from Jan. 29-April 16.

“Lone Star College System continues to provide high-quality academic and workforce education programs at an incredible value to our students,” said Mike Sullivan, LSCS board chair. “These ongoing initiatives show that we’re also investing in wraparound services to support the whole student, increasing retention and completion rates.”

The board will continue working with LSCS administration over the next several months to prepare the FY 2027 budget, with the adoption slated for Aug. 6.

The board also received a report from Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSCS chancellor, on the 2025-2030 strategic plan: “Do the Thing & Be the Bridge.” Learn more about the plan here, and view the full board retreat here.