RISD received more than $23 million in federal funds, staff say
Richardson ISD received more than $23 million in federal funding last school year, according to district staff.
Richardson ISD Board of Trustees were updated on federal grant funding during the April 3 meeting.
Superintendent Tabitha Branum also said it is currently unknown how changes to the Department of Education at the federal level will impact RISD.
Plano ISD anticipates $27.5M shortfall in 2025-26 school year budget
With an expected decline in enrollment and increasing property values, Plano ISD officials expect a multimillion revenue shortfall in the 2025-26 school year.
District staff and the board of trustees discussed next year’s school budget during an April 8 meeting. The board previously discussed budget development in January.
Plano ISD considers 3% raise for teachers in 2025-26 school year
Plano ISD officials are looking at raising teachers salaries by 3% in the 2025-26 school year.
Along with teacher pay raises, district officials recommend increasing the salaries for new first-year teachers and auxiliary staff, said Duana Kindle, PISD’s chief of employee services, during an April 8 board meeting.
Richardson ISD scores ‘C’ rating for the 2022-23 school year from TEA
Richardson ISD earned a C rating from the Texas Education Agency for the 2022-23 school year, according to accountability ratings released by the agency.
The ratings were delayed because of a lawsuit filed by more than 120 districts, including RISD. The districts argued the agency’s revamped guidelines did not follow state law. In September 2023, a Travis County district court blocked the release of the ratings; however, the Texas Courts of Appeals ruled in April that the 2022-23 ratings can be released.
Richardson ISD staff outlines compensation increase plan for teachers, staff
To keep and attract new teachers, Richardson ISD board members directed staff to move forward with a proposed pay increase plan during the May 1 meeting.
The plan would increase starting salaries for new teachers from $61,000 per year to $63,000. A returning teacher’s pay would increase by $500 every year until a teacher reaches ten years in the district, then annual increases would be $1,000.
Additionally, all staff would receive a 3% pay increase. Under the new plan, certain job types, such as assistant principals, bus drivers, aides and more, would receive pay adjustments to match market considerations.
School Health Advisory Council updates RISD board
Representatives from the School Health Advisory Council updated the board on its activities during the May 1 Richardson ISD board meeting.
Along with nutritional goals, the council also aims to create an environment that fosters safe, enjoyable and developmentally appropriate fitness activities for all students, even those who are not in physical education classes or competitive sports, among other things, according to the district’s wellness plan.
Richardson ISD staff outlines 2nd year of strategic plan initiative
Richardson ISD staff briefed the board of trustees on the second year of its strategic plan during a May 15 work session meeting.
Staff began developing the plan in June 2022 and finalized it in spring 2023, Assistant Superintendent Melissa Heller said. It was implemented in the 2023-24 school year.
Additionally, Heller said this is year two of what is a five-year plan.
The strategic plan includes five pillars:
- Individual growth for students and teachers
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Curriculum and learning
- Community engagement
- Financial stewardship
