KIPP Texas Proposes $5M COLA and Retention Incentive Amid Enrollment Challenges

The KTX State Board of Directors meeting held on April 24, 2025, focused on critical issues affecting KIPP Texas Public Schools, including enrollment trends and staff retention strategies.

A significant discussion point was the observed decrease in student enrollment at certain schools, attributed to natural attrition and limited space in high-demand schools. Board members expressed concerns about how these trends could impact future revenue generation through enrollment.

The meeting also addressed the need for competitive compensation to retain staff, particularly in light of rising inflation and competitive offers from other school districts. A proposal for a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and retention incentives was introduced, aimed at improving teacher retention, especially in hard-to-staff positions such as special education and bilingual education. The board noted that while overall retention numbers were satisfactory, specific areas remained a concern.

The proposed COLA for the 2025-2026 school year includes a $5 million recommendation to enhance compensation for school leaders and core teachers. This approach aims to reward high-performing staff more effectively than previous methods, which had distributed funds more evenly across all employees.

Additionally, the board discussed the timing of the retention incentive, which is set to be paid out in September 2025, contingent on meeting enrollment and attendance targets. This incentive is seen as a way to acknowledge the efforts of staff in improving student attendance and retention rates.

In conclusion, the board's discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of enrollment and staff retention in a competitive educational landscape. The proposed financial adjustments aim to address these issues while ensuring that KIPP Texas remains an attractive option for both students and educators.