Waxahachie ISD proposes $57K starting salary for teachers amid competitive pay concerns

The Waxahachie ISD Board Meeting on July 28, 2025, spotlighted a significant proposal to raise salaries for teachers, librarians, counselors, and nurses, aiming to enhance the district's competitiveness in attracting and retaining quality staff. The proposed starting salary for these positions is set to increase from $54,600 to $57,000, a move that comes amid concerns that the district could fall behind neighboring areas in teacher compensation.

During the meeting, board members discussed the implications of the proposed salary adjustments, which include a 5% pay increase for auxiliary, clerical, and paraprofessional staff, and a 3% increase for administrators. The total cost of these salary increases is estimated at $3.5 million. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining equity among staff roles, particularly as the state legislature has separated funding for teachers from that of librarians, counselors, and nurses.

Concerns were raised about the district potentially becoming the lowest-paying school district for beginning teachers in the region, with suggestions to increase the starting salary to at least $58,000 to remain competitive. Board member comments highlighted the need for fair compensation across all staff categories, especially for those in lower-paying positions, who would see minimal increases under the current proposal.

The discussion also touched on the district's health insurance contributions, which are proposed to rise from $245 to $300 per employee per month, aligning with peer districts and potentially increasing employee participation in the health plan.

As the board navigates these financial decisions, they are also considering the impact of budget constraints and the need for a balanced budget. The proposed salary increases, while a step toward addressing compensation concerns, will require careful financial planning to avoid a deficit budget in the coming year. The board plans to revisit these discussions and explore options for further adjustments to ensure all staff are fairly compensated.