Wharton ISD narrowly avoided deep budget cuts thanks to a late $1.2 million payment from the state. The funds came through Chapter 313 agreements, where solar farms received tax breaks but triggered increased state aid. Since less local tax money was collected, the state made up the difference. The district added the money to its ’24-25 budget during a June board meeting. Superintendent Oduwole called the funding a lifeline, saying it helped rescue the district from a financial “life support” situation just in time.