School district proposes $200K pay increase for staff to retain teachers

The Boerne Independent School District (BISD) held a workshop meeting on June 17, 2025, to discuss various compensation and budgetary matters affecting staff. The meeting focused on proposed salary adjustments for teachers and professional staff, as well as healthcare costs and compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The first item on the agenda addressed the compensation structure for teachers. The district recommended maintaining teachers on the existing step scale, which would require an estimated $200,000 to keep them at current compensation levels. This decision aims to prevent the loss of valuable teaching staff. Additionally, for teachers in their second and third years, the district proposed a $1,000 increase for approximately 55 teachers on steps one and two.

Next, the discussion shifted to professional staff compensation. The district proposed a 2% salary increase for all other professional staff, based on the funding received from House Bill 2. The meeting also covered hourly staff, including auxiliary and paraprofessional employees. A recommendation was made for a 25-cent hourly increase, totaling around $163,000, to bring starting pay closer to a $15 per hour minimum wage.

Healthcare costs were another significant topic. The district is facing a $690,000 increase in premiums due to a 10% rise in health insurance costs. The meeting highlighted the impact of these increases on employees, with many reporting that their take-home pay had decreased due to rising premiums. The district has historically covered a substantial portion of premium increases, but the recent trend has raised concerns among staff.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the district's commitment to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and the implications of potentially exploring alternative health insurance options. The district is currently locked into TRS on an annual basis, with a five-year lockout period for leaving the system. The administration expressed the need to evaluate all options carefully to avoid significant financial repercussions.

Overall, the workshop underscored the district's commitment to supporting its staff through competitive compensation and addressing the challenges posed by rising healthcare costs. Further discussions and evaluations will continue as the district seeks to balance budgetary constraints with the needs of its employees.