Victoria ISD Board Approves Teacher Pay Raises and New Budget for 2025 2026

The Victoria Independent School District (VISD) held a special school board meeting on August 28, 2025, focusing on key financial updates and decisions regarding teacher salaries and the district's budget. The meeting began with discussions on the recent state funding for teacher pay raises, which varied based on years of experience. Teachers with 0 to 3 years of experience received a $2,500 increase, while those with more than 5 years received $5,000. The disparity in funding was noted, as smaller districts received higher amounts per teacher compared to larger urban districts like Victoria.

Board members expressed concerns about the implications of this funding structure, highlighting that urban districts are at a disadvantage due to their larger student populations. The conversation also touched on the overall impact of these raises on teacher satisfaction and retention, with members acknowledging the need for further analysis on how these changes would affect educational outcomes in the coming year.

The meeting proceeded to discuss the district's financial health, particularly the fund balance, which currently stands at approximately $45 million. This figure has seen fluctuations over the years, influenced by federal stimulus funds and the need to maintain reserves for emergencies. Board members emphasized the importance of understanding the stipulations tied to these funds, particularly in light of the absence of future ESSER funding.

In the latter part of the meeting, the board moved to action items, including the adoption of the 2025-2026 budget for Maintenance and Operations (M&O), Child Nutrition, and Interest and Sinking (I&S) funds. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the budget as presented, which was approved unanimously by the board.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the adoption of the 2025-2026 tax rate, indicating ongoing financial planning efforts to ensure the district's fiscal responsibility while addressing the needs of its educators and students. The board's commitment to transparency was reiterated, with resources available online for community members to review past meetings and budget information.