McAllen ISD reviews employee stipend adjustments and substitute pay increases

The McAllen Independent School District (ISD) Board Workshop held on April 15, 2025, focused on proposed salary adjustments and stipend increases for district employees. The meeting highlighted the need to align compensation with surrounding districts to attract and retain quality staff.

During the workshop, a presentation outlined the current base pay for employees, noting that the figures discussed did not include fringe benefits, healthcare costs, stipends, or overtime. The emphasis was on base pay and proposed increases based on market comparisons.

Dr. Canales presented detailed comparisons of stipends for various positions, particularly for secondary math and science teachers. Currently, McAllen ISD offers stipends of $2,000, while the market average is $2,500. The board proposed increasing these stipends by $500 to remain competitive. Similar adjustments were suggested for department chair stipends, increasing from $400 to $600 for elementary schools.

The discussion also included recommendations for substitute pay. The board proposed a $5 increase for non-degreed substitutes, bringing their pay to $95, while adjustments for certified substitutes were also discussed to align with market rates.

A board member raised a question regarding the Social Security contributions for substitutes, suggesting that offering this benefit could encourage more individuals to work as substitutes in the district.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to further analyze the data and finalize recommendations to ensure McAllen ISD remains competitive in attracting and retaining staff. The proposed changes reflect a proactive approach to addressing compensation in the district, aiming to enhance the overall educational environment.