‘It removes the burden:’ Magnolia ISD approves pay raises for bus drivers, food service staff

Magnolia ISD school board members approved pay raises for bus drivers and child nutrition food service technicians at its regular board meeting Oct. 27.

What you need to know

The pay raises came after the district’s student enrollment exceeded projections, leaving an extra $1.25 million on the table, according to a meeting presentation. Using the extra funds, the district is giving a $4-per-hour pay increase to bus drivers and child nutrition food service technicians.

The new starting pay rates, which are effective Nov. 1, include the following:

• Bus drivers: $23.25 per hour
• Child nutrition food service technicians: $15.60 per hour

“It removes the burden, the emotional, physical, stress ... of working 15- or 12-, 13-hour days from these departments and it enhances our service to our students and to our parents,” Chief Support Services Officer Joe Dives said at the meeting.