Dallas ISD Considers Changes to Its Much-touted Teacher Pay System

The Dallas school district wants to revamp how it pays teachers, principals and other staff. But the nearly $55 million plan would largely be contingent on what lawmakers ultimately decide to do about school finance and mandatory raises for employees. Lawmakers are debating whether to funnel more money for teacher pay or across-the-board raises for a broader range of school employees. The Legislature has until May 31 to finalize any school finance legislation. But DISD has to have its preliminary budget to trustees before then so that it can be approved in June. That means DISD financial moves will be based on what might happen, said Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. "It's going to be a lot of interpretation," he said. Earlier this month, his administrators briefed trustees on plans to give hundreds more teachers the chance to earn top marks for higher salaries. But the plans would also reduce the number of stipends principals can earn. Over the past few months, the district has been reviewing pay across DISD in efforts to address inequities and ensure salaries are competitive.   Continue reading...