Del Valle ISD to apply for Teacher Incentive Allotment with 90/10 split; trustees raise testing and equity questions

Ms. Murillo presented the district’s proposed compensation plan for an application to participate in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). She summarized the state’s purpose for TIA — allowing teachers to access higher salary tiers while remaining in the classroom — and said the district plans a 90/10 split: 90% of allotment dollars would go directly to teachers (paid as annual, creditable stipends) and 10% would fund sustainability activities including calibration training, professional development, data systems, and administrative supports.

Ms. Murillo said TIA stipends can range from roughly $3,000 to $25,000 depending on campus designations and that the district’s initial cohort covers about 48% of eligible teaching assignments (Ms. Murillo estimated that figure would translate to roughly four‑hundred‑plus teachers but did not provide a precise headcount). She explained that the district plans to submit its application by the required date (staff referenced an upcoming submission window) and that the district will collect a full academic year of data in 2026–27; Texas Tech/TEA validation would follow and designation notifications would drive stipend payments in August 2028.

Trustees pressed for specifics. They asked whether TIA’s growth measures would increase testing pressure on students; Ms. Murillo said growth measures use assessments the district already administers (MAP, STAR, MAP for others) and emphasized the district would use existing assessments where possible and provide support for student mental and emotional health. Trustees asked whether special‑education teachers would qualify; Ms. Murillo said some special‑education assignments are included in the first cohort and the district will continue to broaden eligible assignments over subsequent years. Trustees also sought details on upfront administrative costs; Ms. Murillo acknowledged there would be initial investments (data and administrative systems) that the 10% sustainability fund would help to cover.

Board members asked operational questions about designation duration and portability: Ms. Murillo said once a teacher earns a designation it typically lasts five years and that teachers who already earned designations in other districts keep those designations and funds will follow the teacher where applicable. The item is informational tonight and will return for board action on March 24.