Argyle ISD trustees approve Phase 2 staffing package included in budget

The Argyle ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve the district's phase 2 staffing package during a special workshop April 8.

Board members approved the package, which staff said totals about $1.9 million and includes campus support positions (dean of student support at some campuses, testing specialist), campus support aides, fine arts administrative assistant, an additional band teacher and restored positions cut two years earlier such as an accountant and student nutrition staff.

The staffing package is part of a multi-phase plan to open and operate new campuses. Staff said phase 1 (previously approved) totaled about $3.1 million for classroom and campus-level needs including 10 bus drivers and special education supports. Phase 2'the item approved April 8'is intended to add instructional and support personnel that trustees cited as priorities for classrooms and student services.

Jeff, the district's construction presenter, noted the phase designations are phased to protect the district's balanced budget while the district opens new campuses. "Phase 1 and phase 2 are both within our budget," Rola, the budget presenter, told trustees, adding that phase 3 remains potential and will be evaluated later in budget development.

The motion to approve action item 8a was made and seconded during the workshop; a voice vote was taken and staff reported the motion carried. Board members asked that staff continue to refine staffing costs as campus-level budgets are returned on April 20 and presented additional detail at the June compensation workshop.

The board's approval clears the way for positions to be posted and filled as needed for the coming year, with staff noting that further hiring for phase 3 would be subject to later board approval and additional budget review.