With a proposed $531.9 million operating budget and the consideration of a voter-approved tax rate election, RRISD board members heard presentations from both its human resources and finance directors regarding potential options available to increase compensation for district employees across the board.
Trustees voted 5-0, absent Place 2 Trustee Mary Bone and Place 7 Trustee Danielle Weston, to give district staff approval to move forward with exploring all three compensation increase plans proposed as they put together the final version of the proposed budget that will be adopted in June.
These options include:
- Option 1
- This option includes a 3% pay increase for teachers and librarians, increasing starting salary to $54,500, and adjusting the salary schedule to improve market competitiveness and internal pay equity. Eligible teachers and librarians would receive a $1,750 general pay increase, according to the district.
- All other employees would receive a 2% pay increase, and an adjustment of existing pay structure.
- Option 2
- This option also proposes a 3% pay increase for teachers and librarians, but with a slightly higher starting salary at $56,250. The salary schedule would also be adjusted for the current market and internal pay equity, with eligible employees receiving an additional $1,750 pay increase.
- All other employees would receive a 3% pay increase under this proposal, and the existing pay structure and schedule would be adjusted.
- Option 3
- While options 1 and 2 would see long-term changes made to existing pay structures, the third option would implement one-time pay adjustments for the 2023-24 school year, at 3% for teachers and librarians and 2% for all other employees. Recommended adjustments to pay schedules would also be made.
- Or, if the board should choose to order a tax rate election, and voters approve a higher tax rate, all district employees would receive a 3% pay raise to be paid in a lump sum in January 2024 based on the number of days worked. Salaries would then be increased by the remaining amount for the rest of the 2023-24 school year. Additional salary schedule adjustments would be made, according to the district.
- One-time incentives would be paid to special education teachers; special education assistants; student teachers; secondary math teachers; secondary Spanish teachers; and a relocation stipend for visiting international teachers.
