HISD's $2.1 billion budget includes teacher pay, special ed increases

HOUSTON – The Houston Independent School District board on Thursday approved a $2.1 billion budget that includes millions of dollars in increases for teachers’ salaries and special education funding.

About $49 million of the budget was designated to give faculty and staff of the district a pay bump.

The increases for teachers will be based on years of experience. Teachers with five or fewer years of experience will get a 2 percent increase. Those with six to 10 years of experience will see a 3 percent increase. Teachers with 11 to 15 years of experience will get a 3.5 percent increase, while those with 16 or more years of experience will get a 4 percent bump in pay.

The budget also calls for pay increases for principals, assistant principals, police department staff, campus office staff, hourly employees, business office staff and central office staff.

"HISD has dedicated and passionate employees," HISD superintendent Richard Carranza said in a written statement. "They deserve to have the resources they need to do their jobs well, and they deserve to be compensated for their hard work. We always wish we could provide more, but I hope this is a step in the right direction."

About $2.2 million has been set aside for special education to provide additional staffing and resources, and create an autism program at three high schools.

District officials said the budget includes a $268 million recapture payment that must be made to the state. They said this marks the first time the district has sent more money to the state than it has received from the state.

State law requires the budget be approved by June 30.

Click or tap here for more information about the budget, including a breakdown of how pay increases are determined for other faculty and staff.