NISD Superintendent John Folks briefed the school board about recent legislative actions that basically puts on hold adoption of school budgets throughout the state. This delay stems from the legislature’s and governor’s decision to fund salary increases for teachers out of federal stimulus funds. Use of this money for enhancing salaries must be approved by the federal government. As of this date, the state has not yet asked for the approval.
“School districts across Texas are struggling to adopt budgets, specifically compensation plans, because of the revenue stream decided by the state,” says Folks. By law, school district budgets must be adopted before September.
Folks outlined three options for the School Board which is expected to take action on July 28.
- Option 1 provides for an across the board 1.5% increase in salary for all employees including all teachers who would advance to the next step on the scale.
- Option 2 would provide a 1.5% increase to the teacher schedule and increase each step by $955. Option 2 requires federal approval to use stimulus funding for compensation. Employees other than those who qualify for the teacher pay raise would receive a 2% increase.
- Option 3 would provide a 2% increase across the board for all employees. This option would be adopted if the federal government disapproves the use of stimulus funds for compensation enhancements.
Regardless of when the compensation package is approved, any increase would be retroactive to July 1.
NISD is the largest government employer with a workforce of almost 13,000 workers.