June 10, 2024 – The San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees approved a 2% general pay increase for all full-time, permanent employees during a specially called board meeting tonight. The board also voted on increasing entry pay for teachers, while also increasing stipends and elevating pay grades for specific positions and increasing staffing for mental health initiatives. The cost of the new compensation, stipends, and other initiatives approved tonight totals $10,635,885.

“Through these decisions, we want to show our deep appreciation and respect for each and every SAISD employee,” said Board President Christina Martinez. “Staff are our most valuable resource, and as a community, we need to uplift and prioritize the teaching profession. This includes our educators as well as all staff across the district who support our efforts. We are grateful for all that they do in support of our students and families, and we want to support them for the professionals that they are.”

This year’s compensation increase follows last year's historically large increase of almost $20 million. It was one of the largest compensation increases in the district’s history, with more than half benefiting teachers. With stagnant state funding, it was uncertain whether the district could afford another compensation increase this year, but the focus remained on supporting staff during a time of high inflation.

“We are proud the district is able to provide a 2% compensation increase for our staff, despite our financial situation. We understand that our staff deserve more; however, our basic allotment has not increased since 2019, despite cumulative inflation during that time of about 22%. Given the shortage of educators, we need to continue to offer a compensation package that aligns with the regional market while remaining within the limits of a five-year plan for a sustainable budget,” said Superintendent Jaime Aquino. “In order to provide this increase, the district has implemented large expenditure cuts over the past three years to afford this compensation package.”

In addition to the 2% general pay increase, the board’s decisions include the following positive impacts:

• New incoming teachers will receive an increased entry pay of $58,400.
• Classified, paraprofessionals, instructional assistants, and transportation roles will see a minimum increase of $0.55 per hour as part of the 2% general pay increase.
• Bilingual and self-contained special education teachers (ALE, ECSE, DHH, VI and BSC) will receive stipends that have increased to $5,000. 
• Some highly specialized roles will receive stipends that have increased to $5,000.
• Certain roles in special education, the regional day school program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and facilities maintenance (HVAC) will be considered for pay grade elevations.
• All permanent, full-time eligible employees, upon completion of 15 years of SAISD service, will receive a one-time longevity stipend of $500.
• Mental health for secondary campuses will receive funding to support the addition of 31 staff members dedicated to providing direct intervention supports for middle and high school students.

Additionally, the district has current initiatives for the 2024-25 school year that will enhance the workplace culture and benefit employee retention. For instance, a major initiative currently in place is SAISD’s participation in the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment. This opportunity substantially increases teacher pay for those who earn designations as Recognized, Exemplary, or Master from the state. Just this year, 496 SAISD teachers earned state designations, which is almost double over last year when 284 teachers earned designations. This year’s designations equate to $6.2 million in additional teacher stipends.

Under review are two other current initiatives that are being considered for enhancement in the new school year. Under consideration for enhancement are the accumulated leave incentive plan, which offers pay for unused leave at the time of retirement or resignation for tenured SAISD staff, and the district’s bereavement leave plan.