McAllen ISD reviews TASB pay-study, weighing 2%, 3% or 4% cost models as legislature shifts school funding

McAllen Independent School District trustees reviewed a TASB pay-study and budget options Tuesday evening, discussing proposed pay-structure realignments, stipend increases and three general-pay models that staff said would cost the district between roughly $4.6 million and $7.8 million in base payroll for 2025–26.

The presentation came during a board workshop on April 15 in the Doctor Ricardo Chapa Boardroom. Ms. Luz Cadena, a senior HR and compensation consultant with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), presented market comparisons and recommended adjustments to teacher, professional, administrative, hourly and police pay groups. "The objective of this strategically designed, system and, well managed pay system is to support the district's HR goals to recruit quality employees," Cadena said.

Why it matters: Trustees and staff said district compensation choices will affect recruiting and retention, the budget approved in June, and how McAllen ISD responds to possible additional state funding or new restrictions from the Texas Legislature.

What TASB presented and recommended - Market position and gaps: TASB compared McAllen ISD pay schedules with 11 area districts and third-party surveys. Cadena reported several groups are below market median: teachers modestly below (average about $1,202 below the market median in the review), technology positions about 6% below market, instructional support (instructional aides) about 14% below market, and police pay at about 89% of market median. Cadena said the district's…