The Friendswood ISD board of trustees approved raising the salaries of all incoming educators by $2,500 for the 2017-18 school year at its June 12 meeting.

“It’s a really robust salary plan, and I’m excited to bring it tonight,” FISD Chief Financial Officer Connie Morgenroth said.

The raise resulted in increases of 4 to 5 percent over the district’s existing salary schedule for new hires. The starting salary for an incoming teacher with a bachelor’s degree and no prior experience will be $52,750, according to the district.

Teachers earning more than $65,401 will also receive a 3 percent raise. The total cost of the new salary plan is estimated at $1.9 million.

“We really focused ... on different positions that are undermarket where we needed to bring salaries up, and it really feels like we’re making progress,” Morgenroth said.

Along with raises for educators, there will also be increases for custodians, special education aides, bus monitors and drivers.

The total district budget and tax rate are expected to be approved this summer. The proposed tax rate of $1.367 is a 2-cent decrease over this year’s rate.