Leander ISD Mulls Potential Staff Raises

LEANDER, TX — Leander ISD employees could see a 2 percent increase in their pay next academic year as trustees mulled the idea during a recent board meeting.

At their May 17 meeting, the district board of trustees reviewed the district’s annual compensation study recommending a 2 percent raise for LISD employees, approved the use of unassigned epinephrine on campuses for student health emergencies and considered recommendations to expand programming.

To review the entire agenda, click here.

Board reviews compensation study recommending across-the-board raise

"LISD employees could see more money in their paychecks and employer contributions towards their health care benefits next school year," district officials said in a recap of board action. "The board considered a study by LISD staff recommending a 2 percent, across-the-board salary increase for district employees, as well as an increase in the district’s contribution towards health insurance to $330 per employee per month.

"While LISD proposed adding $1,000,000 to support employee health benefits, the additional funding will only help offset the annual healthcare inflation costs. Employees will most likely still see higher premiums for 2018–19 as a result of significant high-cost claims and rising health care costs across the state. The compensation proposal also calls for additional salary increases for some auxiliary and paraprofessionals positions to remain competitive in local market. The Board could formally adopt the proposal at the June 7 board meeting."

In related news, Round Rock ISD this week approved a 2 percent increase for its staff.

Related story: Round Rock ISD Approves 2 Percent Pay Increases For Staff

LISD approves use of unassigned epinephrine on campuses for student health emergencies

In a separate development, Leander ISD schools will soon have another tool to aid students in a health emergency on campus, officials said. The LISD Board approved the use of unassigned epinephrine pens on district campuses for student health emergencies in accordance with sections of the Texas Education Code. The district will create a comprehensive training program for employees administering the program and notify all parents enrolled in these schools. Currently, the Austin, Eanes, Georgetown, Hutto, Pflugerville, Round Rock and Lake Travis school districts have such a policy.

Board considers recommendations from Program Advisory Committee

In other board action, LISD students can expect enhanced opportunities and programs in the near future. The board reviewed final recommendations from the district’s program advisory committee addressing the goals of increasing student participation in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, officials explained. The committee calls for expanding middle school STEM opportunities and electives, athletics programs, math competition opportunities and implementing UIL A+ Academics programs. Research topics by the committee included dual language program expansion for middle and high schools, orchestra programs, a STEM magnet school and integrating CTE programming into elementary school campuses, officials said.

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