Waco Independent School District trustees last week approved $4.8 million in salary increases for staff across the district. The board also approved upgrades in security, technology and transportation.
Most of the compensation increases are geared towards paraprofessionals and auxiliary employees, those not included in last year’s state teacher retention allotment raises.
“We’ve been fighting to figure out how we can repay these individuals and let them know we love them," said Ronnita Carridine, assistant superintendent of human resources at Waco ISD, during a budget workshop earlier this month.
Those staff members will see the highest increases at an average 4% raises for paraprofessionals and auxiliary staff. Teachers, administration and other professionals will see a 2% increase.
All Waco ISD staff will also receive a $500 holiday retention bonus.
“If we do not make this bold move, we will not be able to sustain our people that are doing the work," superintendent Tiffany Spicer said.
She said the raises and bonus are aimed at making the district competitive in its pay scale.
Also on the table Thursday was a $2.6 million upgrade package including security improvements for the admin building and several campuses, and technology and transportation upgrades across the district.
The board approved both measures using funds from the $32 million sale of Indian Spring Middle School last year.
The items will be worked into the 2026-27 budget, which is set to be discussed and approved by the board in August.
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