Texas Border Business
PHARR – The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Board of Trustees approved pay raises for the 2019-2020 school year during Monday night’s school board meeting. The following salary increases were approved:
Pay increase by years of experience for Teachers, Librarians, Counselors,
1-5 $3,000 increase
6-10 $3,250 increase
11-15 $3,500 increase
16-20 $3,750 increase
21+ $4,500 increase
All other professional and exempt employees: 3% from the midpoint
Hourly Employees: 6% from the midpoint
“We are excited to announce pay increases across the board for all PSJA ISD employees,” said School Board President Jesse Zambrano. “Our compensation package is robust and competitive. As a board, we wanted to send a clear message to the PSJA Family that we value all of our employees, especially our most tenured and hard working teachers and staff.”
In addition to this increase, the starting pay for teachers has also increased to $51,250, setting PSJA ISD among the top paying school districts in the area. With starting pay for hourly employees going to at least $11.50.
“Our students and employees are our priority,” said PSJA Superintendent of School Dr. Daniel King. “I commend the work of our administrative team, especially our Finance and Human Resources teams for the hours they put in to not only balance our budget but ensure our 4,700 employees receive a considerable raise. A special thank you goes to our school board members for approving this budget plan that provides our teachers and other employees with by far the biggest increase in compensation in memory.”
Although insurance premiums have increased, the PSJA ISD School Board has also decided to continue to take on that expense and pay 100% of the premium for all employees for the cost of the base plan. The district anticipates an increase in the annual health care premium of approximately $1,200 per employee, per year.
“Most districts charge a share of the premium to the employee through payroll deduction and increase that fee as premiums rise,” said Dr. King. “PSJA employees do not have to worry about this premium cost, by adding this benefit to their compensation, PSJA truly stands out.”
PSJA employees should expect these pay raises in their September paychecks.
“The board and the administration went above and beyond what the legislature recommended in terms of compensation,” said Zambrano. “We want our employees to feel appreciated and valued for all their hard work and commitment to the district because we understand that by having motivated employees our students will benefit greatly.”
