Fabens ISD updates salary scales to comply with HB 2 funding; trustees debate distribution across staff

The board approved a resolution updating the district's salary scales for 2025–26 to align with House Bill 2 requirements and directed administration to apply the increases retroactively to the start of the contract year, contingent on receipt of designated state funds.

Director of Finance Sylvia Nunez described three distinct state funding pockets related to HB 2: the teacher retention allotment (TRA) for certified teachers, a support‑staff allotment (SSA) derived from attendance and intended for nonadministrative staff, and a separate bucket for other mandated increases. Nunez said the district would use TRA and SSA funds to increase compensation for teachers, counselors, librarians and registered nurses as allowed by statute and guidance, and that the retroactive adjustments would be processed by Sept. 30 if funds are received.

Trustees questioned whether the support‑staff allotment should be distributed more broadly to hourly employees and noncertified staff. Administration explained the dollar amounts available (the support‑staff allotment reported in the packet was approximately $73,000) and warned that any permanent increases carry ongoing local cost implications, including employer payroll taxes. Trustees voted to approve the salary‑scale updates and the associated resolution, while administration committed to monitoring receipt of state funds and reporting further guidance to the board as it arrives.