School Board proposes $2,500 and $5,000 raises for experienced teachers

During the McAllen Independent School District (ISD) Board Workshop held on May 28, 2025, significant discussions centered around teacher compensation, highlighting the district's commitment to enhancing pay for educators. The proposed plan includes an across-the-board pay raise for teachers with varying years of experience, aiming to improve retention and attract quality educators.

For teachers with three to four years of experience, the proposal suggests a $2,500 salary increase, while those with five or more years would see a more substantial raise of $5,000. This initiative is particularly relevant as the district currently employs approximately 137 teachers in the three to four-year category and around 230 teachers with five or more years of experience. The financial implications of these raises, including the total cost and associated benefits, were also discussed, emphasizing the importance of accurate budgeting and resource allocation.

A critical aspect of the discussion involved ensuring that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines are followed in defining who qualifies as a teacher for these compensation increases. The district is working to clarify the coding requirements, particularly the PINES code 87, which is essential for reporting purposes. This step is crucial to ensure that all eligible educators, including those in specialized roles such as interventionists, are appropriately recognized and compensated.

Additionally, the board reviewed various salary increase options, considering potential raises of 2%, 3%, and 4%. However, the discussion acknowledged that the number of teachers qualifying for these increases may fluctuate based on their coding status and whether they are classified as teachers of record.

In conclusion, the McAllen ISD Board Workshop underscored the district's proactive approach to addressing teacher compensation, which is vital for maintaining a stable and effective teaching workforce. As the district moves forward, it will continue to seek guidance from the TEA to ensure compliance and maximize the impact of these proposed salary increases on teacher retention and overall educational quality.