Mesquite ISD outlines 2025–26 compensation plan tied to HB2; district still faces deficit

Mesquite ISD staff presented a compensation plan for the 2025–26 year that combines state-directed HB2 funding with locally funded supplements to broaden pay increases across employee groups. "Our projected revenue in Mesquite ISD when you look at it is 18,400,000," TJ Reid said during the presentation, and he described how state funding is earmarked for specific teacher experience thresholds.

Reid told trustees HB2 provides funding targeted mainly at classroom teachers: teachers with 3–4 years of creditable experience qualify for a $2,500 raise and teachers with 5+ years qualify for a $5,000 raise once they cross that threshold. Reid also described district-funded proposals: starting certified teacher salary at $62,300 and a $1,300 market-midpoint increase for certified teachers with 1–2 years of experience; district-funded 3% or 2% adjustments were proposed for various professional and support pay grades. He emphasized the fiscal limits: "the pie chart identifies that 86% of our revenue goes to payroll costs," and staff said the district remains in deficit territory even after HB2 revenue is included.

Trustees pressed for clarifications about certified versus uncertified teacher pay and timing. Reid said eligible increases would be included on late‑August paychecks and that employees would receive a one‑time retro payment to cover missed pay periods. The presentation and trustees' discussion led directly into budget amendments the board later voted to adopt that incorporate the compensation plan.