HOUSTON – June 9, 2020 – The Spring ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved 2.5 percent raises for the district’s teachers as part of an effort to ensure their salaries are competitive with other districts in the Houston region.
“I want to thank our trustees for their leadership in moving forward with these pay increases that will help recruit and retain our educators, especially amid the challenges posed by the pandemic,” said Superintendent Rodney E. Watson.
The vote on Tuesday followed a lengthy worksession the previous week in which the board
reiterated its support for ensuring equity for Spring ISD teacher salaries relative to other districts in the region.
Earlier this year, the district commissioned a study to look at how Spring ISD compares to other districts in the area with regard to teacher pay. That analysis confirmed that the district lost ground last year after many nearby districts issued significant salary increases as a result of House Bill 3, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2019. In fact, Spring ISD’s 2019-20 salaries were the lowest in the area for new teachers.
The 2.5 percent salary increase offers a big step forward for Spring ISD teachers, and also includes additional one-time equity pay increases for those with up to 11 years experience. The plan’s goals include improving consistency between steps on the pay scale and closing the salary gap for teachers with more years of experience.
For example, under the plan, a teacher with five years of experience will receive a pay raise of 2.5 percent (about $1,700) plus an equity increase of $1,047, for an overall salary of $57,700, up from $54,953 this year. A new teacher will receive $56,500, up from last year’s starting hiring salary of $54,000.
Board members indicated at the work session that more work needs to be done to align Spring ISD salaries with those of other districts in the area, and their goal is to continue to make those adjustments in future budget years. Additionally, Spring ISD teachers will have the opportunity to earn up to $4,000 in additional compensation during the 2020-21 school year through the district’s Spring Rewards program, which will award teachers based on the achievement of their students and their campus.
The board is set to consider 2.5 percent raises for all other employees, including classroom paraprofessionals who support teachers, at a special called session later this month.
“I would like to thank all of our staff for their hard work and commitment to the district,” Watson said. “The coming months will be challenging and we have high expectations for everyone as we seek to educate our students in new ways – online, in-person or a blend of both. Now is the time for everyone to do their part to ensure the success of every student in our care.”