Clear Creek ISD teachers will receive a 1% increase in the 2026-27 fiscal year, despite some board of trustees members saying the raise is not sufficient to keep up with inflation.
Current situation
The board of trustees unanimously approved a compensation plan at the district’s July 27 meeting, including pay increases for several roles:
- 1% increase for teachers, plus step adjustments
- 2% increase for paraprofessionals and auxiliary staff
- 1% increase for other staff members
- $5 per day increase for substitute teachers
The increases are smaller compared to FY 2025-26, in which all employees received a 3% raise, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
Long story short
Robert Branch, CCISD’s assistant superintendent of human resources, said paying teachers more is critical to retaining high-quality educators, yet he acknowledged that the approved increases do not fully offset current inflation levels.
Board member Arturo Sanchez said the district must rely on residents to advocate for the district with their representatives to fund CCISD’s budget.
"We really invite our community to engage in discussions with their state elected officials,” Sanchez said. “While we all appreciate lower taxes ... we also appreciate an environment where students can learn and thrive."
At a July 13 workshop, the board discussed its projected $23.4 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27 and is considering calling a $19.1 million voter-approved tax rate election to offset it, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
Board member Jay Cunningham said that he felt bringing back salary step adjustments, in which teachers receive higher pay based on tenure, this year would also be key for retention.
What happens next?
CCISD will hold a public hearing Aug. 24 to discuss and adopt the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and proposed tax rate, which remains unchanged from the previous two years, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
