Board approves raises for staff, administrators
The Albany ISD board of trustees approved a series of pay increases during its regular meeting June 23, addressing administrative raises, support staff adjustments, and new legal requirements affecting board procedures.
In a unanimous vote, the board approved a 2.5% raise for administrators, including Erika Varela, Jenci Chambers, Ezra Chambers, Leigh Lowe, Xavier Perez, Matthew Howard, and Angelyn Faith. Superintendent Daryl Stuard was also included in the increase. Additionally, the board approved an $8,000 raise for Lynsi Perry and Michael Leveridge, both considered vital to district operations.
All other employees not eligible for the state-mandated $8,000 teacher raise will receive a 2% raise in addition to their scheduled step increase.
“We can’t ever pay them enough, but we really appreciate them and hope they feel appreciated,” said board president Matt Bellah.
The pay increases are part of a broader effort to balance the district’s finances while retaining valued staff. Stuard noted that despite budget limitations, the district anticipates a reduced deficit this year, helped in part by small increases in state funding and local budget adjustments.
The board also voted unanimously against allowing homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities, following changes in state law that require districts to opt out or be automatically enrolled.
The board also approved updates to the district’s business procedures manual to reflect a new state law raising the threshold for fixed asset classification from $5,000 to $10,000.
The district’s facilities committee recommended tearing down the old high school and junior high buildings, noting that while there were initial plans to keep the junior high, the group ultimately agreed that everything should be consolidated into one new facility. The committee also prioritized construction of a new elementary cafeteria. These are preliminary recommendations only, and no final decisions have been made. The committee intends to pursue a bond election in November.
In other action:
•Trustees approved entering an interlocal agreement with School Protect, a group insurance option, giving the district flexibility in exploring more affordable property coverage options.
•Stuard provided an overview of legislative changes, including a new requirement that school board meetings cannot start before 5 p.m. and must include publicly posted audio recordings and draft minutes within 10 days.
•All teaching positions have been filled for the coming school year, with only a few non-teaching roles remaining open.
•Elementary principal Jenci Chambers reported strong STAAR results at Nancy Smith Elementary, with local students outperforming regional and statewide averages in many areas.
The board is expected to meet again in August to call the bond election and review updated facility plans.
