Eanes ISD Delays Staff Pay Decision Until August

Eanes ISD Postpones 2025–26 Staff Pay Plan Decision

Eanes ISD will hold off on approving its staff compensation plan for the 2025–26 school year until later this summer, as the district awaits potential changes from the Texas Legislature that could affect educator pay.

At a May board meeting, trustees voted 5–2 to delay adopting the pay plan until August, with Trustees Kelly Marwill and Catherine Walker voting against the move. The decision marks a shift from Eanes ISD’s typical schedule, where compensation is usually finalized in late May.

Budget Pressure and Legislative Uncertainty

Chief Financial Officer Chris Scott explained that under current law, a proposed 2% raise for employees would increase EISD’s projected budget shortfall from $6.5 million to $7.8 million. That increase would need to come from the district’s fund balance—money set aside after operating expenses are met. State guidelines recommend that districts maintain at least 25% of their annual operating budget in reserves. Without the 2% raise, EISD’s fund balance is projected to sit at 19.6% next year.

The board’s decision to wait was framed as a way to make a more informed choice once the 89th Texas Legislature concludes on June 2. Officials said the pay plan can still be amended after the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.

EISD currently contributes $473 per month toward individual employee health benefits. Last year, the district approved a 2% raise, following 5% increases in the two years prior.

Impact on Recruitment and Morale

Trustees who opposed the delay voiced concern over its effect on staff morale and teacher recruitment. Chief Human Resources Officer Laurie Lee noted that compensation plays a key role in attracting and retaining talent, and uncertainty during the summer could give competing districts an edge.

“Our staff, when they go away for the summer, they do kind of like to know the plan,” Lee said. “It does affect morale.”

What’s Next

Eanes ISD will adopt its overall 2025–26 budget at the June 24 board meeting. The updated compensation plan is expected to be finalized during the first board meeting in August.