The Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) Board of Trustees convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding teacher and staff salaries amid ongoing legislative changes in Texas. The meeting highlighted the impact of recent bills on compensation and the challenges faced by the district in maintaining staff levels.

A significant focus of the discussion was the legislative session nearing its conclusion, which has introduced multiple bills affecting salaries for teachers, administrators, and other staff. Notably, a voucher bill was successfully passed, allowing families to receive up to $10,000 per student for homeschooling or private schooling. However, the specifics of how these vouchers will function remain unclear.

The board was advised to postpone any salary recommendations until the legislative session concludes, as the final funding amounts for teacher salaries are still uncertain. Current proposals suggest potential raises ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 for teachers, particularly benefiting smaller school districts like Stafford, which has fewer than 5,000 students.

Superintendent Dr. Robert A. Henson emphasized the need for the district to address compensation for all staff positions, noting that many salaries have not been adjusted since 2019. The district has faced financial constraints, with state funding for public schools remaining stagnant since that year. The general fund, which supports salaries and operational costs, has seen a decrease in revenue due to a reduction in the tax rate from $1.04 to $0.68 per $100 valuation, despite an increase in property valuations.

Dr. Henson acknowledged the importance of maintaining competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified staff, especially in light of a statewide teacher shortage, particularly in specialized areas such as special education. He proposed exploring tiered compensation plans to incentivize certified teachers while also providing alternative roles for non-certified individuals to fill classroom gaps.

The board's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing compensation and staffing challenges as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The outcome of the legislative session will play a crucial role in shaping the district's financial strategy and ability to support its educators effectively.