BELTON, Texas — Belton ISD has approved a pay raise for teachers and employees. It's part of a $2.9 million dollar plan. The Board of Trustees hopes will make their pay competitive with districts of similar size.
Under the plan, teacher pay will increase between $500 - $2,175 based on years of experience. Paraprofessional and auxiliary employees will see a 3% increase based on the midpoint of their salary range. Professional and administrative employees will receive a 2% pay increased based on the midpoint of their salary range.
The district recently finished a study to determine how its pay scale ranked compared to similar sized districts in Texas. The research showed the district was not competitive and that principals and educational aids, in particular, could make more money doing the same job for another district.
Belton ISD currently serves more than 12,200 students with recent projections indicating continued growth. The pay raises will take effect for the 2020-2021 school year.
Killeen ISD Board of Trustees took also action Tuesday night to renew the district’s health insurance plan with Scott & White. Employees will see a six-eight percent decrease in current rates for the 2021 plan year, which begins January 1, 2021.
For vision, life, and short/long-term disability insurance, employees will see 10 percent rate reductions that will start in January. The district’s renewal will also accompany a savings that will be given to employees in their December 2020 check.
Employees who elect to take the coverage for 2021 will not pay their health insurance premium in December. The savings will be reflected in their December 2020 paycheck, as the health insurance premiums are paid by employees the month prior to coverage, according to KISD.
“We are pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Scott & White Health Plan, while also providing our employees a sizable reduction in monthly premiums and the continuity of services,” Superintendent Dr. John Craft said.
All employees who elect to receive health insurance will continue to receive a $400 a month district contribution. Employees who do not choose KISD health insurance will receive $200 a month towards flex benefits.
The open enrollment process is scheduled to begin on October 1. Employees will continue to have access to their selected providers across the area, according to KISD.
Chief Human Resources Officer Jessica Neyman said, “During this unprecedented time, the district is keenly aware of employee concerns about financial well-being and health care coverage. We are incredibly pleased to have concluded successful negotiations on employee benefits, including health, vision, and life insurance, as well as both short and long-term disability coverage.”
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