Richardson ISD board president says turnover fell as district expands teacher incentives

At its March board meeting, Richardson ISD Board of Trustees President Chris Poteet said the district’s teacher turnover rate has dropped from 17.4% to 11.54% over the past two years as the district expanded pay and support programs for educators. Poteet delivered the update in opening remarks that reviewed personnel initiatives, finances and an enrollment campaign.

Poteet said the district has expanded the Teacher Incentive Allotment from 12 to 28 campuses and that 102 teachers earned about $1.3 million in additional pay last year. He described other recruitment and retention steps, including Grow Your Own and residency programs, strengthened mentoring, Child Learning Academies, and a wellness and acute care clinic aimed at supporting staff.

“We are grateful to the educators who call RISD home,” Poteet said, summarizing the board’s message of appreciation for teachers’ contributions.

On finances, Poteet said the board reviewed district finances and preliminary planning for the 2026 budget. He said district leaders are focusing on balancing resources while maintaining classroom stability and meeting student needs. The compensation plan is scheduled for early May, and the board plans to adopt the 2026 budget in early June, according to Poteet.

The board also reviewed an enrollment-stabilization marketing campaign called “RISD is The ONE,” which Poteet said aims to protect district programs and enrollment against competition from private schools, charter operators and homeschooling options. He framed the effort as part of long-term sustainability planning for the district.

Poteet closed the remarks by acknowledging donors and community partners who support RISD students and staff, and he wished families a restful spring break; students are scheduled to return on March 23.

The board’s remarks in this session were an overview; no motions or formal votes were recorded in the provided transcript excerpts.