The Pflugerville ISD board of trustees approved pay increases for district staff and teachers at the April 21 meeting.

The district contracted with the Texas Association of School Boards to perform a market study of the compensation for all positions, according to district documents. Based on the results of TASB's market study, administration recommended a pay increase for all staff.

Employees on a step schedule will receive a raise based on 2 percent of the market median pay for their positions. Employees not on a step schedule will receive a 2 percent increase based on their position's midpoint. For positions where the pay is still less than 90 percent of the market, an additional adjustment may be given, according to district documents.

At the meeting, several teachers said Central Texas schools pay less than other districts throughout Texas. Bryan Weatherford, Texas State Teachers Association teaching and learning specialist, said everyone involved in education, from the teachers to the superintendent, is underpaid. However, he said the salaries for teachers comparatively lag behind administrators.

"Many [teachers] are enduring longer commutes because they cannot afford to live in Pflugerville," he said. "We can do better."

PfISD Chief Financial Officer Ken Addix said the district also offers a competitive healthcare plans with lower copays than other districts.