By Megan Wehring
HAYS CISD — A salary increase and bond election could be heading to Hays CISD soon.
At Monday’s school board meeting, trustees will consider a new compensation plan for the 2021-22 school year. In addition, trustees will charge the Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee (FBOC) to develop a bond package for the November 2021 General Election.
Administration is recommending a 3% salary increase for teachers, nurses, librarians and counselors; 3% of midpoint increase for professionals, auxiliary staff and paraprofessionals; and an increase by $8 per month by the district to maintain a no-cost, employee-only health care.
These recommendations only apply to full-time or part-time employees who occupy a permanent position, not nonstandard hourly employees.
Trustee Esperanza Orosco asked if the district could look into increasing salaries by 4% and how that would impact the budget.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright explained that Hays CISD is projecting an approximate $5.3 million deficit budget with the 3% salary increase; if the district were to change it to a 4% increase, a $6.6 million deficit budget is anticipated.
Wright added that it’s ultimately up to the board to decide what compensation plan should move forward.
“It would be a great morale booster for our employees,” Wright said. “They have worked exceptionally hard this year and we know with learning loss, they are going to have to work exceptionally hard next year to try to catch our kids up.”
Trustees will also vote on whether to task the FBOC with developing a recommendation for an upcoming bond election. The deadline to call a November bond election is Aug. 16.
The compensation plan, possible bond initiative and other items will go before the Hays CISD Board for voting on June 28. The full agenda will be posted at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1858.
