PORTLAND, Texas — The Gregory-Portland ISD Board of Trustees has announced pay raises for all teachers and staff due to the working conditions during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s no secret that teachers and staff in our schools work hard every school year, but this year they are really going above and beyond for families,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Cavazos. “They’ve done a marvelous job completely re-envisioning how learning can be achieved in a safe manner, and shown their resolve to adapt to constantly changing guidelines and requirements as they are received from the state."
Teachers will get a 3% raise, substitute teachers will receive an extra $10 per-day, bus drivers will get an extra dollar per hour, and all clerical/technical and auxiliary staff will receive a 3.5% pay increase. Also, the new minimum pay rate for hourly staff will increase from $11.64 to $13.00 per hour and the substitute auxiliary staff rate has been increased from $11 to $12 per hour.
The district says the raises will cost nearly $1 million this year. Addressing possible state budget cuts, the district will cut 4% of department budgets and make strategic adjustments when evaluating positions for the upcoming school year.
The school board voted unanimously for the raises despite possible state budget cuts.
“We understand there may be changes at the state level that could affect all school districts in the coming years, and we may not always be able to provide raises in the future … but our teachers and staff deserve this for all the hard work they are doing right now – and we’re glad to provide it for to them,” said Board President Victor Hernandez.
The changes will be part of the district’s 2020-21 budget and is expected to go into effect in August and will be reflected in paychecks around Sept. 20.