The Taylor ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget of $49.6 million for the 2026-2027 school year, including a comprehensive compensation package that invests in teachers and staff across the district.

The compensation package reflects the Board's continued commitment to attracting, supporting, and retaining high-quality employees while advancing the district's strategic priorities for student achievement and workplace excellence.

“Our teachers and staff make an incredible difference in the lives of students every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen. "This investment demonstrates our Board's commitment to supporting our employees and recognizing the important role they play in preparing students for the future."

The Board approved:

• A 2% salary increase for teachers and staff on the Administrative Pay scale (Nurses, counselors, librarians, administrators, etc.).
• A $1.00 per hour increase for clerical staff and paraprofessionals.
• A $1.50 per hour increase for maintenance and operations employees and transportation staff.

As part of the approved package, all returning full-time employees will receive a one-time $2,500 Impact Incentive in October 2026. Returning part-time employees will receive $1,250. All full-time employees, both returning and new, will receive a $500 Retention Incentive in January 2027. Part time employees will receive $250. 

The Board in May also recently increased its contribution toward employee health insurance. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, Taylor ISD will contribute $540 per month toward employee-only coverage for full-time employees, representing an annual investment of $6,480 per employee. 

This increase sets the starting teacher salary and benefits package at $61,480, based on a $55,000 salary before benefits, sign-on bonuses, and stipends. 

The compensation package is the latest in a series of employee-focused investments approved by the Board of Trustees. Over the past year, the Board has also:

• Launched a teacher apprenticeship program that helps instructional assistants and support staff become certified teachers while continuing to work in the district.
• Implemented a longevity stipend that rewards employees with $500 for every five years of service to Taylor ISD.
• Approved increased Special Education stipends.
• Reinstated and increased employee referral incentives to as much as $1,500.

These initiatives align with Priority 2: Exceptional Workplace Climate, one of the Board's adopted strategic priorities, which focuses on employee morale, recruitment, retention, professional growth, and strategic compensation.

"Our employees are the heart of Taylor ISD, and this compensation package reflects our commitment to supporting the people who make student success possible,” said Taylor ISD Board President Marco Ortiz. “We are proud to recognize the dedication of our employees and continue building a district where talented educators and staff can thrive.