School District proposes balanced budget with compensation increases and new salary schedules

The Ysleta Independent School District (Ysleta ISD) Board of Trustees convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting significant changes in employee compensation and budget management strategies. The meeting underscored the district's commitment to its staff, emphasizing that employees are the district's most valuable asset.

The proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year reflects a revenue projection of approximately $398 million, which includes adjustments from House Bill 2. This budget marks a decline from previous years, with a noted deficit of $17.2 million in the 2024-2025 budget. To balance the current budget, the district plans to utilize $22.2 million from its fund balance, indicating a reliance on savings to meet expenditures.

A key focus of the meeting was the restructuring of salary schedules for teachers, nurses, and librarians, mandated by state legislation. The district will now maintain separate salary schedules for these groups, which has implications for compensation increases. While teachers with three to five years of experience will receive a $2,500 increase, those with five or more years will see a $5,000 increase. Additionally, a retention allotment for support staff will provide a total of $1.2 million for eligible employees, including counselors, librarians, and custodial staff.

The budget also proposes a one-time lump sum payment of $500 for all full-time employees, excluding those already receiving specific retention bonuses. This payment is intended to support staff morale and retention, particularly as the district faces challenges in maintaining its workforce.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's strategic approach to budget management and employee compensation amidst financial constraints. The decisions made during this meeting will have lasting effects on the Ysleta ISD community, as the board seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to support and retain quality educators and staff. As the district moves forward, the implications of these budgetary decisions will be closely monitored by stakeholders and community members alike.