CFB ISD adopts 2026–27 compensation plan, increases special‑education stipends and delays longevity decision

Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD trustees on June 4 adopted the district's proposed compensation plan for fiscal 2026–27 after hearing budget context from the CFO and HR.

CFO Art Martin and HR representative Carla explained the district is transitioning its fiscal year to a July 1 start and faces multi‑year enrollment declines (roughly 2,000 students lost over five years) that have created structural budget pressures. Administration presented four compensation options and recommended 'Option 4.' That option blends a 2% salary increase for classroom teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, paraprofessionals and auxiliary staff with a 1% increase for administrators.

Trustees also approved increased stipends to recruit and retain special‑education teachers. The administration outlined tiered stipend increases (examples discussed in the presentation: proposed increases to roughly $4,500, $5,500 and $3,500 tiers for certain special‑education groups) and said the district would continue to evaluate staffing needs for special education.

Administration asked to withdraw two supplemental items (longevity pay / years‑of‑service payments and a bus‑driver supplemental) from the adoption this evening so staff can study them further and return to the board in August. Trustee Kim Brady’s motion to adopt the compensation plan included direction to bring supplemental items back for reconsideration; the motion passed 7‑0.

Administrators emphasized the budget remains constrained: they reported an existing 10‑month transition budget will be balanced for 2026‑27 but warned a 12‑month view shows a structural deficit continuing in future years unless staffing reductions and other cost‑savings occur. Staff estimated attrition could reduce roughly 95 positions now, but projected the district would need more than 300 position reductions to balance long‑term budgets if enrollment declines continue.

Board members discussed recapture (money the district sends to the state) and noted the district has returned large sums in recent years; one trustee cited figures of about $141 million returned over five years and roughly $151 million projected after this year. Administration said reporting to TEA and other fiscal mechanics are part of the ongoing budget conversation and that specific budget adoption will occur in August.