Fort Worth ISD Plans Teacher Raises

Overview

• Purpose: The Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD) plans to increase teacher salaries.
• Key Dependency: The extent of these raises depends heavily on decisions made by the Texas Legislature.

Proposed Compensation Package

• Total Value: $22 million for the 2025-26 academic year.
• Starting Salary Increase: From $63,000 to $64,500 ($1,500 increase).
  • Suggestion to further increase to $64,600 or $64,700 to remain competitive with neighboring districts.

Legislative Influence

• House Bill 2: Proposes $4.2 billion in teacher pay raises statewide.
  • Includes an additional $55 per student for school districts.
• Current Status:
  • A deal was made in the Texas Legislature.
  • Bill requires further approval by the Senate and House.
  • Deadline for agreement is June 2.

Financial Breakdown

• Fort Worth ISD Funding: Expected to receive approximately $20.7 million from the state.
• Use of Funds:
  • $1.3 million earmarked for new starting salaries.
  • Focus on pay raises based on years of experience, not for new teachers.

Board Discussions

• Trustee Tobi Jackson: Advocates for competitive salaries compared to neighboring districts.
• Trustee Anne Darr: Questions the sustainability and permanence of the funding.
  • Concerns about whether the raise is one-time or recurring.

Conclusion

• The school board plans to finalize the compensation package in June alongside the annual budget.
• Emphasis on competitiveness in teacher salaries to attract and retain quality educators.