College Station ISD Board Approves $2 Million for Employee Pay Raises
College Station, TX – During a recent meeting on July 16, 2024, the College Station Independent School District (CSISD) board unanimously decided to allocate an additional $2 million from the district’s savings for employee pay raises ahead of the upcoming school year. This decision comes on top of a previously approved $4 million drawn from its fund balance to address budgetary shortfalls for the 2024-2025 school year.
Reasons Behind the Budget Decisions
Superintendent Tim Harkrider highlighted the stagnation in state funding, noting that there has been no increase in financial support from state lawmakers in the past five years. The board’s decision has stirred conversations about the need for better financial resources for local school districts, especially as board member Blaine Decker pointed out that state lawmakers are enjoying a five percent raise while most CSISD employees will see an average raise of only two percent.
Details of the Compensation Plan
For the 13th consecutive year, CSISD is set to increase salaries as detailed in the approved compensation plan, which includes:
- Beginning teacher salaries rising from $51,000 to $51,750
- A $1,200 increase for eligible returning teachers, equivalent to a 2% midpoint raise
- A 2% midpoint raise for eligible administrators and professionals
- A 2% midpoint raise for eligible paraprofessionals and auxiliary staff
- Continuation of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
- Adjustments in pay grades for certain positions based on the market needs
The estimated total cost of these increases amounts to about $2.27 million.
Retention and Growth Statistics
CFO Heather Wilson addressed the board, emphasizing that the district’s efforts to offer competitive salaries are crucial in retaining educators. With a current teacher turnover rate of 18.8%, CSISD boasts the second-lowest turnover rate among 14 districts in the region. Moreover, the district ranks ninth in teacher salaries for newly hired educators, demonstrating a commitment to employee satisfaction.
According to the 2022-2023 Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR), CSISD has shown modest student growth, with approximately 1,100 students opting for nearby schools instead of CSISD, impacting the budget significantly. Harkrider stated that if these students were enrolled in CSISD, the district would not face such budget constraints.
Health Care Benefits
In addition to salary increases, CSISD leads neighboring districts in contributions towards employee health care premiums, with approximately $476 for employee-only plans and $509 for employee-plus-family plans, ensuring that staff members receive comprehensive benefits.
Upcoming Decisions
The CSISD board is set to review and act on the 2024-2025 budget during a meeting scheduled for August 20, where they will further address financial plans for the upcoming school year.
As the district moves forward with the compensation adjustments, all stakeholders hope these efforts will strengthen their ability to attract and retain quality educators in a challenging funding environment. The focus on improving staff morale amidst state funding challenges is more crucial than ever.
