Wharton ISD faces a $2.5 million shortfall to end the school year, with only $4.3 million left in reserves—far below recommended levels. Enrollment has dropped by 400 students since ’19, cutting state funding. COVID relief funds are gone, but spending never slowed. Payroll alone now consumes the entire $20 million budget. Superintendent Oduwole plans to cut admin jobs and review departments for overstaffing, aiming to avoid teacher layoffs. The board must cut $2 million to pass a balanced budget for this year. Oduwole says recovery is possible, but it will be painful.