Board trims pay grade for cabinet role to aid recruitment; trustees warn deeper cuts could hurt CFO search

The Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted to amend the district’s compensation plan on Wednesday, eliminating the 5‑12 pay grade and shifting affected positions down to pay grade 5‑11.

Trustees debated whether to restore positions to pay grade 5‑10 as vacancies occur — an approach discussed earlier in efficiency proposals — but administrators said reducing two grades would make the district uncompetitive when recruiting a chief financial officer. During the discussion, Dr. Taganal (district compensation consultant) was cited as reporting that at the 5‑10 level the CFO position was roughly 33% under market.

Trustees heard that the 5‑12 grade had been adopted roughly two years earlier and that returning all positions two grades lower could negatively affect recruitment and retention. Trustee questions focused on balancing cost‑savings goals with the need to be able to attract qualified candidates. One board member said moving one pay grade down “helps, but it still doesn't get us back to market.” Another asked whether changing the grade would interfere with a pending CFO contract search; administrators warned it could.

A motion to approve the compensation plan amendment that eliminates 5‑12 and moves roles to 5‑11 passed with the board reporting “Motion passes 5 2 1.” Trustees directed administration to continue recruitment work for the CFO position and to report back on market comparisons and any effects on ongoing contract negotiations.

Separately during open session the board later approved a personnel report that included naming Mr. Tony Kingman as chief financial officer and Ms. Tiffany McHugh as principal of Eloff Elementary; that personnel action passed 6‑0 after closed‑session consideration and announcement in open session.