Austin ISD and Education Austin, the district's teachers' and employees' union, continue to negotiate compensation and raises for the upcoming district budget. While school funding is still being discussed by the 86th Texas Legislature, including the possibility for $5,000 raises to teachers across the state, the district is evaluating its future budget as if no funding changes will occur at the state level. “[In] our budget 87% is salaries, so obviously this is a big topic,” Superintendent Paul Cruz said at a board workshop May 6. “We’re a school district and what makes us great is our people.” Chief Human Capital Officer Fernando Medina presented options at the workshop the district is considering for raises. He said when looking at employee compensation, the district considers salary and insurance as a package. He said insurance is a big selling point for potential employees as are other benefits the district provides through policies. A 1% raise for district staff across the board would add about $5.79 million to the 2019-20 budget, while a 5% raise would cost about $28.95 million, according to district projections. Options are still being negotiated, but proposals show the district is considering a 1%-2% raise. Medina said the following are some of the talking points from recent conversations with Education Austin. AISD trustees will be presented a final budget for approval in June.