Paying our Teachers

Texas public schools are facing funding challenges that directly impacts teacher pay and retention.

Statewide Funding Challenges

A recent poll by the Charles Butt Foundation revealed that 77% of Texas teachers feel they are not paid a living wage. When adjusted for inflation, the median salary reported by public school teachers in 2023 was $5,000 less than in 2020.

According to research compiled by Raise Your Hand Texas, Texas teachers earn over $9,000 less than teachers across the country and 23.4% less than other college graduates in the state.

When adjusted for inflation, the median salary reported by public school teachers in 2023 was $5,000 less than 2020.

 

The state's basic allotment, the funding mechanism for public schools has remained unchanged since 2019. Without adjustments to account for inflation and the rising costs of living, teachers do not believe their pay is enough to cover basic living expenses.

Teacher Attrition Rates

In 2024, 78% of Texas teachers have seriously considered leaving the profession. Schools need experienced, passionate teachers, but without competitive pay, many educators are forced to explore other careers.

China Spring ISD Teacher Pay

When compared to neighboring districts, our teacher salaries rank in the bottom quartile. This pay gap makes it increasingly harder to recruit and keep great teachers in our classrooms.

China Spring ISD

Robinson ISD

Lorena ISD

Midway ISD

Moody ISD

0 Years

$42,000

$46,000

$44,100

$49,200

$46,200

5 Years

$46,082

$48,700

$48,800

$50,999

$51,200

10 Years

$52,008

$53,000

$54,550

$54,750

$56,200

15 Years

$56,511

$57,200

$58,650

$58,500

$59,500

20 Years

$59,947

$60,600

$61,250

$61,750

$62,200

25 Years

$61,167

$62,700

$63,250

$64,300

$64,450

30 Years

$62,388

$63,900

$65,250

Even with limited funding, China Spring ISD is working to implement programs aimed at recruiting and retaining quality teachers.

  • Four-Day Instructional Week: Offers teachers time to balance teaching, planning, and personal responsibilities.

  • Employee-Based Daycare: Provides affordable childcare for staff, helping teachers with young children stay in the profession.

  • National Board Certification Program: Supports teachers in earning advanced certification, making them eligible for additional pay through the Teacher Incentive Allotment program.

  • Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA): Rewards effective educators with additional pay.

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Accessing Additional Funding

China Spring ISD continues to explore innovative programs aimed at supporting the teachers at our district, but without additional funding, our district cannot offer competitive salaries. Beyond the Texas legislature deciding to send school districts more funding to support teacher pay, local communities can secure more funding for public school districts through a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE).

VATREs generate funds for people & programs. A VATRE approves an increase in the district's maintenance & operations (M&O) tax rate. M&O taxes fund the general operations of the school district such as:

  • Salaries

  • Utility bills

  • School supplies

  • Fuel

  • Safety and security

  • Nursing staff

  • Custodial services

  • Transportation