Conroe ISD approves cost-of-living raises for all district employees

In its first in-person meeting since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the Conroe ISD board of trustees approved cost-of-living raises for all its employees June 16, including a 3% pay increase for teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors.

A 3% increase in pay at the midpoint for existing teachers is a flat increase of $1,800. In addition to that, teachers with one to 14 years of experience get additional salary adjustments ranging from $100 to $900. Chief Financial Officer Darren Rice said these increases bring salaries above the Houston market median.

“We believe this recommendation will keep CISD competitive with peer school districts in the Houston area,” Rice said.

The raises include a 2.5% increase for administrative education and administrative business employees, a 3.5% increase for hourly support employees, a 5% increase for bus drivers, and a 5% increase and additional pay for certifications for police.

In total, the teacher raises increase teacher salary spending by $7.7 million, and nonteacher salaries were increased by $4.8 million.

Dealing with racism and naming a new school

• Trustee Scott Kidd read a statement in response to the death of George Floyd, affirming Conroe ISD is a place for everyone. Kidd asked the district to “listen intently” and “act with intention” to improve the district for residents and students of color. The statement was signed by Null and the other board members.
• A black mother of a CISD student spoke during public comment about the racism she and her daughter have faced, including implicit bias of campus staff, unfair treatment by teachers and ignoring threats made against her child.
• The district will vote on a name for a new elementary school in the Caney Creek feeder zone July 21. All submitted names are available online.