Dallas ISD Approves New Budget with Pay Raises for Teachers and Staff
Some new Dallas ISD school employees are likely to see pay bumps as trustees raised its minimum wage and starting teacher salary in its 2025-26 budget.
Trustees approved a roughly $1.9 billion budget Thursday night that raises staff minimum wages to $17 an hour and offers $64,000 to beginning teachers. Seven trustees voted yes, with Byron Sanders and Joyce Foreman abstaining.
Background and Context
District leaders adopted the budget a day after the Texas House and Senate struck a deal on a sweeping plan that could infuse $8.5 billion into Texas public schools.
Reactions and Expectations
“I’m hopeful that the state legislature finishes the job and gives us more money that we can deploy,” said board member Ben Mackey at the board meeting.
Dallas ISD officials originally constructed next year’s budget under the assumption that districts will not get additional funding next year from the state. They have said they are committed to leading the region on staff compensation, even as they project a $129 million budget shortfall next year, which will be covered by the district’s rainy day fund.
State Funding and Budget Implications
The district could see some relief as state lawmakers are expected to increase the base amount of money provided per student by $55 and funnel over a billion dollars to help schools pay for fixed costs, like transportation, health insurance and utilities. Texas public schools receive $6,160 per student in that base amount now, a number that hasn’t changed since 2019 even as inflation and enrollment declines has strained school system budgets.
Other areas of funding in the bill include $850 million for special education and $430 million for school safety programs.
“I see some opportunities coming down the pike for us as a school district. I see some opportunities in [special education],” said Sanders. “I see some opportunities, unfortunately, not in the basic allotment, but … in some other places and spaces, and I look forward to locking arms to figure out how we can creatively maximize those.”
Pay Raises and Inflation
Inflation’s impact on staffers’ personal budgets is also behind district leaders’ decision to prioritize pay raises.
“We want to make sure that we take care of our teachers first,” Human Capital Chief Robert Abel said in an April board meeting.
Teacher Salaries and Budget Breakdown
Dallas ISD teachers will see an average 3.6% increase in base salary, according to the approved budget. The size of each raise will depend on the district’s pay-for-performance system.
The minimum hourly wage will rise from $16.50 to $17. Those pay adjustments will cost the district roughly $32 million.
DISD leaders are anticipating a roughly 1,700-student decline in enrollment next year, leaving the district with 138,500 students across its campuses.
District officials are also anticipating a $104 million payment into the state’s recapture system, which is often referred to as “Robin Hood.” Under it, districts that are considered property-wealthy must give money back to the state to be distributed to poorer districts.
District officials also built over $110 million in cuts into next year’s budget, including reductions in administrative staffing, supplies and contracted services.
Conclusion
The Dallas ISD budget approval marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of teachers and staff regarding their compensation. The pay raises and increased funding for special education and school safety programs are expected to have a positive impact on the district’s overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the new minimum hourly wage for Dallas ISD staff?
A: The new minimum hourly wage for Dallas ISD staff is $17.
Q: How much will beginning teachers be paid in the 2025-26 budget?
A: Beginning teachers will be paid $64,000 in the 2025-26 budget.
Q: What is the projected budget shortfall for Dallas ISD in the 2025-26 budget?
A: The projected budget shortfall for Dallas ISD in the 2025-26 budget is $129 million.
Q: How will the budget shortfall be covered?
A: The budget shortfall will be covered by the district’s rainy day fund.
