Although the new budget is about 7% higher than the previous year, it came with a decreased allotment for staff development, social work and food services.
The context
In May, several North Texas school districts, including Dallas ISD, called for increased state funding for public education to adjust for inflation. However, the Texas Legislature has focused on a school voucher system to help parents pay for private schools without increasing funding for public schools.
The details
With the new budget, teachers will be paid a starting salary of at least $61,000 based on experience. Last year, the minimum was $60,000. The average teacher salary in Dallas ISD is about $64,000, according to the Texas Education Agency.
For other staff, the new budget will increase the minimum wage to $16 per hour, up from $15 per hour last year.
The new budget also includes about $63 million in performance-based retention incentives. Employees evaluated with “exemplary” or “master” performance levels will receive a $4,000 bonus divided into three payments throughout the year, according to budget documents. Those with “unsatisfactory” performance levels will still get an incentive, but it will be only $500. And employees with five or more years of experience with DISD will get a $1,000 incentive.
Learn more
DISD's FY 2023-24 starts July 1 and ends June 30, 2024, according to budget documents. More information on the DISD budget is available on the district’s website.
