McAllen ISD prepares near final budget for 2025-26 school year with competitive compensation plan

In a pivotal meeting on June 9, 2025, the McAllen Independent School District (ISD) Board convened for its seventh budget workshop, marking a significant step toward finalizing the district's budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendent Dr. Gutierrez opened the session by highlighting the collaborative efforts that shaped the nearly finalized budget, which reflects input from various departments and stakeholders.

The budget presentation, led by Lorena Garcia and Joel Garcia, emphasized the district's commitment to stability and investment in its staff amidst challenging economic conditions faced by many school districts. Notably, while some districts are contemplating school closures and staff reductions, McAllen ISD is poised to implement a balanced budget that prioritizes competitive compensation for its employees.

The proposed compensation plan includes significant raises for teachers based on their years of service, with amounts ranging from $1,560 for teachers with 1-2 years of experience to $5,000 for those with five years or more. Additionally, all other employees are set to receive a 2.5% increase based on the new midpoint salary structure. The budget also allocates $2 million to enhance the district's health plan fund, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of staff.

Another key focus of the meeting was the restoration of the secondary teaching planning period, which, while not currently funded in the balanced budget, is a priority for the district. The administration expressed its intention to identify savings throughout the year to support this initiative, with the possibility of budget amendments if necessary.

The discussions were further informed by recent legislative changes, particularly House Bill 2, which provides the flexibility needed to support compensation while maintaining a balanced budget. This legislative context underscores the importance of state-level decisions on local educational funding and staffing.

As the board prepares to approve the budget later this month, the meeting highlighted the district's proactive approach to financial planning and its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff. The anticipated approval will not only solidify the district's financial strategy but also set the stage for continued investment in educational quality and staff welfare in the upcoming school year.