In an effort to keep pace with surrounding districts' pay and combat cost of living increases, the CISD board approved a 3% midpoint salary increase for all staff at a June 24 meeting. In addition, the starting pay for beginning teachers in the 2024-25 school year increased from $61,150 to $62,700.
The raise will take effect this September, said Kristen Eichel, assistant superintendent for administrative services.
The details
The district continues to face budgetary challenges, including educators leaving the workforce, slowing enrollment growth, stagnant state funding and other financial issues. Officials said they hope that a competitive compensation plan will help the district to recruit and retain high-quality educators and employees.
Among issues facing teachers is 2024-25 health care premiums are increasing by 11%, Eichel said. The employee-only plan under Teacher Retirement System active care is increasing by $612 per year, and the family plan is increasing by $2,088.
Additionally, cumulative inflation since 2019 is over 20%, according to district documents. That, along with premium increases, spurred district staff into recommending a general pay increase of 3% of midpoint—the middle point between the highest and lowest salaries of a pay grade.
What else?
The increase amounts to a $2,050 increase for all continuing teachers, nurses and librarians on an annual 187-day contract, Eichel said. Librarians on a 197-day contract will receive a prorated increase, according to district documents.
The district’s contribution to employee health care will remain unchanged.
