During a session on April 2, 2024, the Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees gave the green light to the suggested 2024-25 compensation plan. This plan encompasses a 3% salary hike for all staff members, calculated based on each employee's current salary.
In addition to the 3% raise for all staff members, the approved compensation plan for the 2024-25 period entails several specific adjustments. Among these changes, the starting salary for teachers, nurses and librarians will increase from $60,000 to $61,000 — or $62,000 for those with a master's degree.
Adjustments to the teacher pay scale will also be implemented, transitioning from $350 to $400 each year. Additionally, pay scale adjustments will be made for roles that are historically difficult to fill. For instance, bus drivers will see an increase to $24 per hour from $22, while bus assistants and special education structured assistants will receive $17 per hour, up from $15.
“With an anticipated budget impact of $7,594,301, this increase highlights the school board’s long-standing tradition of working to keep Plano ISD competitive in recruiting and retaining employees,” Plano ISD Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams said in a statement. “This plan not only shows our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our staff, but it is also an investment in the future of our district.”
On April 4, 2023, Lisa Wilson, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning, discussed areas of focus that district staff would like to see more of, especially teacher retention.
The issue of teacher retention is nothing new, and it began before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic fueled the already limited teacher supply. Local Profile previously reported by March 2021, 42% of teachers said they’d considered leaving or retiring during the previous year and more than half of those teachers said it was because of COVID-19.
In May 2023, Plano ISD approved a previous 3% salary increase for the 2023-2024 school year. These salary increases aim to increase teacher retention and stay competitive in the job market.
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