In a move that aims to help retain its school district staff amid budget constraints, both Round Rock ISD and Pflugerville ISD have announced employee pay raises. Round Rock ISD has approved a 1% pay raise for the 2024-25 fiscal year, despite facing a projected $30 million shortfall, according to Community Impact. This decision comes with some adjustments to the overall pay structure, and a possible bonus if student enrollment exceeds projections.

While district administrators are recommending the pay increase, they are also expecting to make some budget cuts. The 1% pay hike is estimated to cost the district about $3.8 million, with an additional $3.3 million earmarked for a retention incentive. This bonus will be doled out to eligible employees if student enrollment goes beyond 47,000 prior to the final Friday in October, with another $500 if enrollment passes 47,500 by a yet-to-be-confirmed date in the spring 2025 semester.

Pflugerville ISD, on the other hand, will see a slightly better 2% raise across the board. The minimum hourly wage will also be hiked up to $17. "Our administration and our Board recognize our most valuable resource – our teachers and our staff," Interim Superintendent Dr. Steve Flores said, acknowledging the district's 25,000+ students are served every day thanks to dedicated staff. CBS Austin reported that Dr. Flores has expressed hopes that the staff appreciates the district's efforts to provide a raise amidst budgetary stress.

The pay increases at Round Rock ISD include changes to different job models. For instance, teachers and librarians will see their starting salaries increased to $56,000, with eligible employees receiving a $625 general pay increase. Transportation employees are also set to receive a $2 hourly increase. While some believe that the raise is insufficient, RRISD board President Amber Landrum told Community Impact, "Obviously I want to give more than 1%, I just think that's not in our future right now. I think some people—we've even gotten emails from some people that 1% is a slap in the face, but 1% is better than 0% in my opinion."

Both school districts' plans for salary increases highlight a broader trend of challenges faced by public education systems in managing their budgets while also trying to maintain a competitive edge to attract and keep staff. Budgetary discussions are expected to continue in Round Rock ISD as the board moves closer to its June meeting, where the trustees will vote on the financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year.