SAN BENITO — The San Benito school district is getting a raise.
Last night, the San Benito school board came together in a special workshop to discuss the district’s future compensation plan.
Then they voted to approve a 5 percent increase for all employees across the board.
Superintendent Dr. Adrian Vega had approach the Texas Association of School Boards to conduct its own study on the compensation disparities that plague the district.
What the association found was San Benito CISD ranked the third lowest out 18 other districts in the Rio Grande Valley when it came to teacher pay.
The district was not meeting market rates.
The compensation study also found the current pay system was outdated.
Because the district did not meet the going market rate on teacher salaries, the TASB suggested it would be in the best interest of the district to give 5 percent raises across the board.
Last night, Vega also recommended the 5 percent increase.
Now that it is finally approved, San Benito will soon be level with other districts in the area, enabling the district to compete for and retain top talent in the future.
Including benefits, Vega said the increase will cost the district about $6 million.
Additional adjustments will be made to ensure a new hire will not make more than pre-existing employees.
With the 5 percent increase, starting teacher salary will meet market at $46,500.
