Sherman ISD review finds teacher experience rising, pay competitive but stipends uneven amid legislative uncertainty

Sherman ISD staff presented a compensation review to trustees on May 20 that shows the district’s average teacher experience is increasing, teacher turnover has declined, and prior board salary actions have kept experienced teacher pay above much of the market — but stipends and several specialized pay categories vary widely and may need targeted review.

The presenter said about 80 percent of hires this year have been experienced, certified teachers with five or more years of experience, which contributed to a higher average experience level. The district’s teacher-turnover rate has fallen relative to comparable market districts, the presenter said.

Comparative analysis showed that, while Sherman’s teacher pay for experienced staff generally sits above market comparators (a result of recent raises and board policy decisions), some administrative and specialized positions include stipends or additional duties that create outliers in the market comparison. The presenter noted that stipends — particularly for athletics (head and assistant coaches) and specialized trades (HVAC, electricians) — are “all over the place” and merit a full review.

Trustees heard that some manual-trade employees previously at noncompetitive pay rates had been raised this spring to be closer to the market and that some employees reported staying at Sherman ISD for non-pay reasons (work conditions, steadiness). Board members discussed options including one-time payments, retroactive raises and step increases; staff said legal and budget constraints mean the district must wait for the legislature’s funding decisions before adopting a formal pay plan.

The presenter told trustees that, based on recent district pay actions, Sherman is in a position to remain relatively competitive for about a year without large catch-up increases, but final decisions on raises or freezes will be contingent on the state budget.