Central Texas School Districts Announce Teacher Pay Raises

Teachers instructing students in a classroom setting

News Summary

Central Texas school districts, led by Georgetown ISD, are implementing pay raises for teachers in response to funding concerns. Georgetown ISD has introduced a 3.5% salary increase, raising starting teacher salaries to $56,500. Hutto ISD follows with a 4% raise, while San Marcos CISD and Round Rock ISD announce various increments. Superintendents express the need for stable state funding to sustain these increases amidst a backdrop of staffing challenges and budget deficits. The commitment to raise teacher salaries indicates a proactive approach to attract and retain educators in a competitive market.

Georgetown, TX – Several school districts in Central Texas have announced pay raises for teachers, with Georgetown Independent School District (ISD) leading the way by introducing a 3.5% salary increase for the 2025-26 school year. This increase also includes the new starting salary for teachers, which will rise to $56,500. The announcement was made by Superintendent Devin Padavil during a board workshop held on June 9, 2025.

Other districts in the region, including Hutto ISD, San Marcos CISD, and Round Rock ISD, are also addressing teacher compensation amid growing concerns over public school funding. Hutto ISD is providing its teachers with a 4% pay raise, setting its starting salary for new teachers at $57,000. In San Marcos CISD, eligible employees will receive a 3% pay increase, while experienced teachers may see their pay rise by as much as 9%, with a new starting salary of $55,000 for incoming educators.

The backdrop to these raises is a pressing question of funding for public education. Superintendents have expressed that although these pay raises are critical for retaining quality teachers, concerns abound regarding the sustainability of such increases if the Texas state legislature does not boost public school funding during its next session. Some districts may face severe financial challenges if funding levels remain stagnant or decrease.

Round Rock ISD, in contrast, is providing a more modest pay increase of 1% for its teachers. Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez has voiced concerns over potential budget deficits that could arise if state funding does not improve, which underscores a shared apprehension among various districts about maintaining fiscal health while ensuring competitive salaries for educators.

Austin ISD is currently exploring multiple compensation packages aimed at addressing funding challenges, including a pending vote on a potential tax rate increase. This is a strategic move to help manage an estimated $119 million deficit, illustrating the financial difficulties facing many districts in balancing teacher pay with overall budgetary constraints.

Staffing shortages continue to be a significant concern across Central Texas school districts. While many superintendents indicate they do not face major staffing issues, they still grapple with the need to fill existing vacancies. Hutto ISD’s Interim Superintendent Dr. Cara Malone noted their desire to fill several open positions, reflecting a common challenge in maintaining adequate staffing levels for schools.

Despite these challenges, superintendents across various districts have expressed a strong commitment to ensuring a successful academic year for students. Many have emphasized the necessity of investing in teachers to enhance the quality of education. The raises are viewed as a critical component of efforts to attract and retain quality educators in a competitive job market.

Overall, the actions taken by Georgetown ISD and other Central Texas school districts highlight a proactive approach to addressing the compensation of teachers despite the looming concerns surrounding public funding. The commitment to increase teacher pay may provide much-needed financial relief and stability that local educators have been advocating for as they prepare for the forthcoming school year.