School Board approves balanced budget for 2025-2026 with salary increases

The Alice Independent School District (AISD) held a workshop on August 29, 2025, where key budgetary decisions were discussed that will directly impact teachers, staff, and students in the upcoming school year. The proposed budget maintains the same totals as previous years, with adjustments made primarily in salary increments and allocations based on student attendance.

One of the most significant changes is the salary increase for teachers and staff. All teachers will receive substantial raises, with those having 1 to 2 years of experience set to receive $2,000, while those with 3 to 4 years will see an increase of $4,000, and teachers with 5 or more years will benefit from an $8,000 raise. New teachers will start at a salary of $56,400, which is $1,600 more than last year, reflecting the district's commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators.

The budget also includes a 3% salary increase for professional and administrative positions, which encompasses principals, counselors, and assistant principals. This move aims to ensure that all staff members are fairly compensated for their roles in supporting student success.

In terms of funding, the district has budgeted based on an expected attendance rate of 91%, which is considered conservative. The allocations for campus budgets are based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), with Alice High School receiving $170 per ADA, the middle school $140, and elementary schools $115. This funding structure is designed to support schools based on their student populations.

The total budget for the 2025-2026 school year includes a general fund of over $48 million, with balanced revenues and expenses across all major funds, including Child Nutrition and debt service. The district's tax rate has been set at 1.172, which includes a Maintenance and Operations (MNO) rate of 0.7252 and an Interest and Sinking (INS) rate of 0.447.

As the AISD prepares for the new school year, these budgetary decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational quality and supporting the district's educators, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget and ensuring that the allocated funds are effectively utilized to meet the needs of students and staff alike.