Magnolia ISD approves 2% staff raise for FY 2022-23, discusses adding $2M to bond proposal for school security

The Magnolia ISD board of trustees approved its compensation plan on July 11 for the upcoming school year that includes a 2% raise for professional staff and discussed adding $2 million to its bond proposal, which previously was recommended to be $230 million.

According to previous Community Impact Newspaper reporting, the proposed bond includes a new elementary, intermediate and junior high school, among other items. The board has not yet voted on calling a bond but would need to do so no later than Aug. 22 to order a November election.

At the July 11 school board meeting, Superintendent Todd Stephens recommended the board consider adding an extra $2 million to the bond proposal for security-related purposes.

“In light of what happened in Uvalde, I think it’s a prudent thing to take a look at some of those security measures we’ve been working on for the past three or four years,” Stephens said during the meeting.

The board discussed bringing back the bond for consideration during an Aug. 8 school board meeting.

The board also approved a compensation plan that includes pay and retention incentives for employees. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris said professional staff will receive a 2% raise. According to a July newsletter from the district, hourly staff pay increases include upping clerical/technical hourly pay to $11, manual trades hourly pay to $10 and bus drivers to $19, and all bus drivers will receive an extra $1 per hour above the approved raises and bonuses.

The board also approved incentive payments for all employees that total $2,750 across three payments that will be made. According to the agenda information, $750 will be paid Sept. 1; $1,000 will be paid Nov. 15; and $1,000 will be paid March 15.