During the Thursday, May 21 board meeting, the Victoria ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2026-27 Employee Compensation Plan, which includes pay increases, retention incentives, increased health insurance contributions, and adjustments aimed at supporting recruitment and retention efforts across the district.
The approved compensation plan reflects Victoria ISDโs continued commitment to prioritizing employees while also maintaining long-term financial responsibility. Over the past year, district leadership has worked strategically to evaluate staffing structures and software contracts, increase operational efficiencies and continue rightsizing efforts in an effort to identify areas for cost savings and reinvestment.
District administration shared that those efforts resulted in more than $3.8 million in savings, allowing the district to redirect additional resources back into employee compensation and benefits. District leaders noted that the work reflects a continued focus on ensuring resources are aligned to directly support students, staff, and campuses.
โThis compensation plan represents intentional work across the district to prioritize our employees while remaining fiscally responsible,โ district administration shared during the meeting. โEvery adjustment made through operational efficiencies and rightsizing efforts was done with the goal of strengthening Victoria ISD for the future and creating opportunities to reinvest back into our staff.โ
Increased Healthcare Contribution
As part of the approved plan, Victoria ISD will increase the districtโs monthly healthcare contribution for eligible employees enrolled in a VISD health insurance plan from $300 to $350 per month beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Districtwide Retention Incentive
The compensation plan includes a one-time retention incentive for eligible employees. Full-time eligible employees will receive a $1,000 retention incentive payable in December 2026, an increase from the $600 retention incentive provided in December 2025. Eligible part-time employees regularly scheduled to work 15 or more hours per week will receive a $500 retention incentive.
Additional eligibility requirements and details regarding retention incentive payments are outlined in the approved 2026-27 Compensation Plan.
Hourly Employee Pay Increases
The approved plan also includes a $1.25 per hour pay increase for paraprofessional, clerical, classified staff, and bus driver positions.
In addition, Victoria ISD will increase minimum starting hourly pay rates for paraprofessional, clerical, classified staff, and bus driver positions by $1.25 per hour to support continued recruitment efforts.
Teacher and Administrator Compensation
Classroom and non-classroom teachers will receive a $1,150 pay increase that is Teacher Retirement System (TRS) eligible.
Administrators, principals, and assistant principals will receive an increase equal to 1% of the midpoint of their respective 2025-26 compensation plan pay grade.
The compensation plan also includes an additional one-time stipend for eligible campus administrators, payable in two installments during the 2026-27 school year. Eligibility requirements and payment details are included within the approved compensation plan.
Victoria ISD administration noted that the compensation plan was developed with a focus on remaining competitive within the region while continuing to attract and retain employees who support student success across the district.
Compensation adjustments approved as part of the 2026-27 Compensation Plan will become effective beginning with the 2026-27 school year and applicable employee contract or duty calendars. Eligible employees will see salary adjustments reflected in regular paychecks based on their calendar/pay cycle, as notated in the Compensation Plan.
For complete details regarding eligibility requirements, stipends, incentives, pay structures, and employee groups included in the plan, employees should refer to the official 2026-27 Victoria ISD Employee Compensation Plan available through the Human Resources Department and online at Victoria ISD Human Resources.