Wright's new five-year contract will last through 2025. It replaces his previous five-year contract, which was set to expire in 2024.
"He has proven by putting systems in place, implementing strong teams and providing support to teachers at every one of our campuses that positive change can happen," Board President Esperanza Orosco said at the Sept. 28 meeting.
His compensation package, which includes salary and benefits, was increased from $269,500 to $318,000—an 18% jump—to reflect an equity adjustment that will bring Wright's compensation up to market value, a spokesperson for the district said in an email.
The board also approved a district compensation plan at its Sept. 28 meeting that includes several increases to wages in specific departments and a 1% districtwide pay increase, which will stack on top of a 2% increase approved in June.
Orosco said Wright was on track to exceed goals set for him by the board before the pandemic hit.
"Unfortunately, in March of this year, we had to shift our focus to respond to the immediate needs of our students, staff and community by formulating and implementing a plan to maintain the health and safety of everyone in our district," Orosco said. "Dr. Wright answered this call, leading us through this public health emergency."
Wright has more than 30 years of experience in education. He was the superintendent at Fredericksburg ISD before joining HCISD in November 2017.
"His energy and excitement as a playmaker throughout our region and our state is evidence that the love of his vocation and craft benefits his students and enhances Hays CISD's standing in our great state of Texas," Orosco said. "Believe me: Legally, that's all we could offer—one extra year. We wanted to rope him in for 10, but we got one."
