Fort Bend ISD Board Approves 2025-26 School Year Operating Budget that Includes Compensation Plan to Retain and Attract Employees

Fort Bend ISD (June 24, 2025) – At its regular business meeting Monday night, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved a $901.6 million operating budget for the 2025–26 school year, which includes a compensation plan aimed at retaining and attracting employees.

The compensation plan is in addition to funding provided by Texas House Bill 2, which takes effect September 1 and includes retention allotments for teachers and support staff.

“This plan reflects our commitment to attract, retain and uplift the professionals that serve our students on a daily basis,” FBISD Deputy Superintendent of Operations Kathleen Brown said.

The approved compensation plan for the 2025-26 school year includes:

• Signing Bonuses. Eligible employees may receive a signing bonus of up to $5,000 for positions in hard-to-fill areas if hired by December 19, 2025.
• Employee Wellness Days. Full-time employees will receive two wellness days to use during the 2025-26 school year.
• Starting Teacher Salary. Increase the starting teacher salary to $63,000.
• Health Insurance. $0 increase in health insurance premiums and deductibles during the 2025-26 school year.
• Supplemental Insurance. Continue to offer LANTERN, a program allowing covered employees access to certain procedures at a low cost.
• Bus Driver Perfect Attendance. Bus drivers with perfect attendance will receive $250 each semester and be included in a drawing for an additional $1,000.
• Two-Year District Supplement Payment. Staff who are not eligible for the state Teacher Retention Allotment and are employed by FBISD as of October 1, will receive a district supplement during the 2025-2026 school year and a second district supplement during the 2026-2027 school year. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/humanresources to determine eligibility.

Disaster Pennies

The compensation plan was unanimously approved by the Board and is supported by 7 disaster pennies to the current tax rate. Disaster pennies are a provision in Texas law that allows school districts to temporarily increase their property tax rates without voter approval following a declared disaster.

The Board will vote to adopt the tax rate, including the disaster pennies, in September. The disaster pennies will be in effect for the 2025-26 school year only.