Judson ISD Proposes Salary Reductions and Incentives for DOI Teachers to Save $1M

Judson Independent School District (JISD) is exploring significant budget adjustments to address a projected shortfall of $4.2 million, as discussed in a recent budget workshop held on May 8, 2025. Among the proposed measures are potential reductions to teacher stipends and restructuring of the District of Innovation (DOI) teacher pay system.

One of the key proposals includes pausing or reducing stipends, which could save the district approximately $750,000. This plan aims to maintain essential services for gifted and talented (GT) students and ensure that every middle school has a librarian, despite the budget constraints.

Additionally, the district is considering a 10% reduction in the starting salaries of DOI teachers, which would decrease their pay from $60,934 to $54,840. This change is expected to yield savings of around $1 million. However, the district plans to introduce incentives for returning DOI teachers, offering $1,000 for their first year back and $2,000 for their second year, contingent on their progress toward certification.

The discussions also highlighted concerns about the impact of these changes on teacher retention, particularly for those close to certification. Board members emphasized the importance of motivating teachers to complete their certification while ensuring that the adjustments do not disproportionately affect those who have invested time and effort into their roles.

As JISD navigates these budgetary challenges, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support and retain quality educators. The district is committed to refining these proposals and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the educational needs of students are met while addressing financial realities.