2018-19 budget allocations
MISD estimates a seven percent budget increase, or approximately $11 million, for the 2018-19 school year based on an estimated seven percent property value increase. However, due to the rising property values, the district proposes to decrease the 2018-19 tax rate by $0.03. This would bring the tax rate to $1.59 per $100 property valuation as compared to $1.62 per $100 property valuation paid during the 2017-18 year.
With additional funds, the district also discussed adding two new SROs, which are officers that patrol campus hallways, to elementary schools. Each SRO would likely have designated schools to monitor, respond to those campuses as needed and have a set schedule for visiting schools in their territory, said Cody Cunningham, chief communications and support services officer at MISD.
Board approval is still needed for the 2018-19 budget, which will take place in June, Cunningham said in an email.
Employee pay
During the meeting, the board of trustees approved increasing teacher salaries and continuing to offer a $500 one-time mid-year stipend for full-time employees.
Eligible employees who are exempt, meaning the employee does not have to punch a time clock, will receive a three percent general pay increase based on the mid-point of their salary range. Eligible non-exempt employees will receive a six percent general pay increase based on the mid-point of their salary range, according to district documents.
The starting salary for teachers with no experience in the 2018-19 year also increased from $52,350 per year to $53,850 per year.
The district will also continue offering a $1,500 stipend for master’s degrees and doctorate degrees.
All full-time staff who have been employed no later than Oct. 1 and remain employed as of Nov. 15 for the 2018-19 school year are eligible for the one-time $500 stipend. Part-time employees are also eligible to receive a reduced stipend, according to district documents.
The board also approved the hiring of five dyslexia teachers, 10 special education teachers, five secondary 504 para-professionals, three nurse aids and one security position for the 2018-19 school year.
