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Board approves phase 1 of proposed teacher pay plan, citing Prop A funding
Summary
After a TASB pay audit showed Liberty Hill teachers lagging at mid/late career levels, the board approved Phase 1 of a compensation package (about $1.9M) to raise classroom teacher pay and address pay compression; trustees asked for fund‑balance tracking and sustainability details.
The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to approve Phase 1 of a multi‑phase teacher compensation plan aimed at improving market competitiveness and retaining experienced staff.
District leaders said a TASB pay audit showed the district’s starting salary compared well with the market but that pay at 10, 15 and 20‑year marks lagged behind neighboring districts. Executive Director Rebecca Oman and other HR staff presented a proposed scale that raises starting pay and adds targeted increases at key steps to reduce pay compression. The plan also proposes a flat $55,000 rate for uncertified teachers pursuing certification, with hold‑harmless language for current employees.
Officials tied the proposal to local voter support: staff repeatedly cited the November Prop A passage as enabling the district to reinstate positions and invest in compensation. Oman said the district submitted 273 teachers for state teacher incentive designation and that an initial allotment payout to designated teachers will total roughly $1.1 million (benefits costs to the district were noted as additional). The district estimated Phase 1 costs for classroom teacher compensation at about $1.9 million and projected a budget surplus in next year’s estimate even after the increases.
Trustees generally expressed support while asking for safeguards. Several asked that staff include a clear fund‑balance status box in the upcoming May 4 budget workshop, questioned the sustainability of raises in neighboring districts (some adopted deficit budgets), and asked for future detail on benefits and implementation phases 2 and 3. The board passed the Phase 1 recommendation by motion; the transcript records the motion, second and the chair’s announcement that the motion carried.
