AISD AVID coordinators seek pay equity amid proposed teacher salary adjustments

The Arlington Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the district's compensation plan and address concerns raised by educators. The meeting began with a presentation from AVID coordinators, who expressed their discontent over a recently announced $5,000 salary increase for classroom teachers that did not extend to instructional support staff, including AVID coordinators. They highlighted their essential roles in promoting college and career readiness and requested a review of their position classifications to ensure equitable compensation.

Following this, Dr. Smith introduced Holly Stanbaugh and Scott Kale to present the administrative recommendations for the 2025-2026 compensation plan. Stanbaugh emphasized that AISD remains competitive in teacher compensation within the DFW Metroplex, showcasing a consistent pay structure for teachers across various experience levels. The proposed adjustments included a $2,500 increase for teachers with 3 to 4 years of experience and a $5,000 increase for those with 5 or more years, funded through the Teacher Retention Allotment established by House Bill 2. Additionally, a 3% market raise was recommended for teachers with 1 to 2 years of experience and other certified staff.

The proposed salary schedule would set the starting salary for first-year teachers at $66,100, with further increases based on experience. Stanbaugh also recommended a grade change for attendance clerks and an increase in the stipend for athletic trainers, along with a proposed increase of $33 per employee per month for healthcare contributions.

Trustees engaged in discussions regarding these recommendations, with a focus on ensuring that all staff, including those in support roles, are recognized and compensated fairly for their contributions to student success. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the compensation structure to address the concerns raised by AVID coordinators and other staff members.