2025-2026 Compensation Package Approved by Board of Trustees
Starting Salary for New Teachers is $55,000 starting in 2025-2026
During a regular school board meeting held on Monday, August 25, 2025, the Board of Trustees for the Taft Independent School District approved the 2025-2026 compensation package for all employees that included the following:
· Teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses will receive:
• $8000 retention increase for staff with 5+ years experience
• $4000 retention increase for staff with 0-4 years experience
o Teacher increases are from $4000 to $10,000
o Counselor/librarian/nurse increases are from $8000 to $10,000
· Associate teachers will receive a $1500 flat rate increase.
· LVNs receive total increases of $5000 to $7980 and a pay grade adjustment in the clerical/paraprofessional scale.
· Clerical/paraprofessional staff will receive a $1500 flat rate increase with equity adjustments as identified through salary study. Total pay increases range from $1500 to $4779 depending on the position.
· Auxiliary employees will receive a $1500 flat rate with equity adjustments for custodians. Total pay increases range from $1500 to $2525.
· Police officer & other districtwide professional increases are from $4000 to $8000 based on years of experience.
· $1000 one-time stipend for all employees paid in two installments--$500 in September 2025 and $500 in January 2026. Part-time employees receive half of this stipend.
· $400 per month employer health contribution towards TRS Active Care (the total benefit is $4,800 per year for an employee).
Also updated in the 2025-2026 Compensation Handbook, the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) percentages added Science and Social Studies as areas for teachers to demonstrate student growth. In addition, 90% of the designated allotment was shared between the designated teacher (75%) and supporting teachers (15%).
The Taft ISD goal is to remain competitive with surrounding districts, support our employees during challenging economic times and reward district employees who have continued to work with our Greyhounds, Whippets and Pups. The addition of House Bill 2 funding provided most of the pay raises for teachers, but local funding was also used to support other employees. This compensation package will take effect for all Taft ISD employees beginning with the 2025-2026 school year (effective on September paychecks). Go to www.taftisd.net for more information on compensation in Taft ISD.
