GISD Balances Budget and Compensation Increases for All
For the first time in several years, Georgetown ISD has adopted a balanced budget—a milestone achievement that will enable the district to invest directly in its teachers, staff, and students. Despite no increase in state funding since 2019 and rising costs for utilities and insurance, GISD strengthened its financial footing and prioritized compensation and resources for its employees in 2025—the first year the district saw an increase in state funding since 2019.
For teachers, that means bigger paychecks, with starting salaries increasing from $56,500 to $57,000 and additional raises for those with more experience. House Bill 2 provides retention allotments of $2,500 for teachers with three to four years of classroom experience and $5,000 for those with five or more. These raises, GISD Communications Director Melinda Brasher says, support the district’s priority work to recruit and retain staff and help ensure GISD remains competitive in the local job market.
And it’s not just teachers—paychecks are increasing across the district, from the front office to the bus lot. Bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and office staff will see hourly raises, dyslexia teachers’ stipends are doubling, and the district is contributing more toward health benefits. Melinda emphasizes the importance of including all staff: “From the bus driver who is the first to greet a student in the morning to the child nutrition staff member who feeds every student, to the teaching and learning team who are guiding the academic growth of our students, it takes everyone, every role, to contribute to the learning, growth, and progress of our students.”
These raises were made possible through careful planning and thoughtful use of resources. GISD reduced staff and adjusted calendars, trimmed departmental budgets, and restructured programs to run more effectively.
FOSTERING GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY
Beyond salary increases, GISD is also rolling out programs designed to strengthen its workforce. The G.R.E.A.T. program helps paraprofessionals earn their bachelor’s degree and teaching certification while being paid at a higher rate, creating a nearly $30,000 jump in annual salary once they transition to certified teachers. Another initiative covers the cost for teachers pursuing National Board Certification, removing financial barriers to a credential that brings lifelong professional and financial benefits.
“Our number one priority is student learning, growth, and progress,” Melinda says. “That can’t happen without systems in place to support it. We are grateful to our Board of Trustees for establishing clear priorities to guide this process, to our staff for their thoughtful and collaborative feedback, and to our community for staying engaged and informed.”