La Joya ISD may include 2% or 3% raise in 2023-2024 budget

The La Joya Independent School District may reward employees with a 2% or 3% raise.

During a work session on Wednesday afternoon, the school board reviewed detailed proposals for a 2% raise and a 3% raise. The proposals also included pay adjustments based on a salary study prepared by the Texas Association of School Boards.

“It’s very useful,” said Trustee Nereyda Cantu, “because it’s going to help us ensure that we’re fair and equitable to all individuals, for all positions.”

Any raise or pay adjustment would take place during the 2023-2024 budget year.

The 2% raise would cost La Joya ISD about $4.7 million, according to a summary reviewed by the school board.

Under the 2% option, teachers, librarians and registered nurses would receive an approximately $1,200 raise. Most other employees would receive a 2% raise based on the salary range for their position.

La Joya ISD would calculate the 2% raise based on the midpoint for the position.

For example, an employee with a position that pays $30,000 to $50,000 would receive a raise based on the midpoint: $40,000. A 2% raise would provide the employee with an extra $800.

La Joya ISD would also provide about 1,000 employees with “Implementation/Equity” adjustments based on the salary study.

The association suggested the salary adjustments after comparing La Joya ISD to a dozen other school districts in South Texas.

La Joya ISD pays new teachers $55,000 a year, which is 3% above the median, according to the salary study. The average teacher pay at La Joya ISD is also 3% above the median.

Pay for teachers with 10 years and 15 years of experience, though, is 1% below the median. The association suggested La Joya ISD slightly increase pay for teachers at both intervals to match the median.

The 3% raise would cost La Joya ISD about $6.6 million.

Under the 3% option, teachers, librarians and nurses would receive an approximately $1,800 raise. Most other employees would receive a 3% raise based on the salary range for their position.

La Joya ISD would also provide 850 employees with “Implementation/Equity” adjustments, including the pay increase for teachers with 10 years and 15 years of experience.

Superintendent Gisela Saenz said district administrators would provide the board with more information and a recommendation during an upcoming work session.

The new budget year begins on July 1.