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Magnolia ISD board approves $4 hourly increase for bus drivers and food-service technicians

Magnolia Independent School District Board of Trustees · October 31, 2025
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Summary

The Magnolia Independent School District Board approved a $4 hourly increase for bus drivers and food-service technicians, funded from higher-than-expected local revenue tied to enrollment growth; the change is effective as presented and was adopted by voice vote.

The Magnolia Independent School District Board of Trustees on Monday approved an amendment to the 2025–26 employee compensation plan, raising hourly pay for bus drivers and food-service technicians by $4 as presented by district staff.

Board member Stacia Allmayer moved to amend the compensation plan; the motion was seconded by Board member David and passed by voice vote. The district’s presenter said the increase is intended to close a market gap with neighboring districts and to address persistent vacancies that have strained transportation and food-service operations.

District staff told trustees that stronger-than-anticipated student growth freed approximately $1,200,000 in local funds that could be used for operational needs this year; the staff presentation said those funds — described during the meeting as available one-time dollars — would allow the compensation adjustment without using bond proceeds. The presenter also detailed staffing shortages: roughly 190 driver positions exist districtwide with a notable number currently vacant, and child-nutrition reported about 38 technician positions with 13 vacancies.

"This would put us anywhere from a dollar eighty to $4.15 higher for drivers," the presenter said, describing the competitive effect of the increase. Trustees who spoke in favor cited the long hours and difficult schedules of transportation and nutrition staff and credited the finance team with finding a funding source.

Board members asked questions about prior percentage adjustments and baseline pay. One trustee noted prior action in July and asked whether the new proposal exceeded the earlier percentage increase; staff clarified the new figure and timing. The board thanked staff and employees in attendance.

The board recorded the motion as "Motion by Stacia, seconded by David," and the chair announced the motion passed. The district indicated the increase would show in December payroll, per the presentation.

Next steps: staff will implement the amended compensation plan and adjust payroll; the board did not ask for additional study or expansion of the increase beyond the two specified categories.

Note: All attributions in this article come from statements made during the board meeting and from district presenters and trustees as recorded in the public transcript.