Katy ISD employees will receive pay increases for fiscal year 2026-27 despite the district facing a $15.7 million projected shortfall.
The overview
At a June 22 meeting, the Katy ISD board of trustees approved its FY 2026-27 compensation plan including a 1% general pay increase, as well as two separate 1% lump-sum payments to be given in August and December.
Chief Human Resources Officer Brian Schuss said Katy ISD is considered “market competitive” and with its compensation plan and the general pay increase, the district will retain its position.
The funding
The lump-sum payment comes after the district received its 2023 property value audit in March after a multiyear delay, bringing in a one-time payment of $34 million, Community Impact previously reported.
Of that amount, $8 million will go toward a 1% lump-sum payment for all employees to be paid Aug. 31, and another $8 million will go toward a 1% lump-sum payment for all employees to be paid Dec. 15.
Diving in deeper
Beyond the pay raises, Schuss said district officials are also looking at other compensation areas, including the teacher retention allotment.
The board previously approved that teachers with one and two years of experience will receive $2,500 paid for by the district’s general operating fund, the same amount given to teachers with three or four years of experience, according to Katy ISD’s website.
Meanwhile, teachers with five or more years of experience will receive $5,000, and those going from four to five years will acquire $2,500.
Also of note
Additionally, Schuss said when a Katy ISD officer obtains advancement from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, they will now receive $1,000 more for the first two levels and $2,000 more when securing the master certification.
Staff also suggested a change in pay for officers working evening shifts as a way to incentivize them to work later in the day.
One last thing
A third-party vendor is expected to complete a FY 2026-27 comprehensive market study on the district’s compensation plan, with results to be shared in summer 2027, Schuss said.
