On Monday, 12/15/2025, Brenham ISD surprised all employees with a one-time $500 retention check. This moment was made possible through the support of Brenham voters who approved the 2025 VATRE, giving our district the ability to strengthen compensation and reinforce the stability of our workforce.

Because BISD built its budget anticipating VATRE passage, funds earmarked for upcoming staffing investments created a one-time opportunity to honor employees now, in addition to the raises already implemented this school year.

Compensation Progress:

• A one-time $500 retention check was provided to all employees this week.
• Teachers received an average increase of 13%.
• All other staff received a 6–8% increase.
• VATRE back pay is in the December checks.

These steps reflect our commitment to recruiting and retaining high-quality educators, reducing class sizes, and strengthening the foundation of support that shapes student success.

Most importantly, Monday allowed us to express sincere gratitude to the people who make Brenham ISD what it is: a district rooted in excellence, service, and community pride.

VATRE Update From 12/1/25

VATRE Update: What This Means for Our Staff & Schools

Thanks to the passage of Measure A (VATRE), Brenham ISD will receive approximately $2.45 million annually in local revenue, all of which stays in the district and is not subject to state recapture. VATRE funds directly support daily operations, such as teacher and staff compensation, class size reductions, academic programs, and other essential student services.

Required Action: Compensation Manual Adoption

Per state law, the Board of Trustees was required to adopt (in August) the 2025–26 Compensation Manual contingent on VATRE passage. Now that the measure is certified, all approved compensation changes can move forward.

What’s Already Happened (Before VATRE)

In August 2025, the Brenham ISD Board approved a compensation plan that included:

State-Mandated Teacher Pay Increases (HB2):

• Teachers (Years 3–4): +$4,000
• Teachers (Years 5+): +$8,000

These were required state pass-through amounts outlined in House Bill 2 (HB2).

Local Enhancements Approved by BISD:

• Expanded the salary ladder from 25 to 30 years 

• +$2,000 retention allotment for new teachers in Years 0–2

• VATRE-dependent +$1,000 supplement for all teachers, now fully authorized

Examples of Teacher Salary Growth:

• 30-year teacher: from $62,934 → $75,684 (~20% increase)
• 15-year teacher: from $56,960 → $65,960 (~15.8% increase)
• New teacher: from $50,000 → $53,000 (6% increase)

For All Other Staff (Non-Teaching Positions)

August Raises:

• +3% across the board for all non-teaching employees

With VATRE Now in Effect:

• +3% additional raise for professional & administrative staff (to midpoint)

• +5% additional raise for:

  • Clerical / Administrative Support

  • Child Nutrition

  • Instructional Paraprofessionals

  • Auxiliary Staff

Total increases range from 6% to 8% depending on role.

December 2025 Payroll Timeline

• Raises take effect in December payroll

• Retroactive back pay (to contract start dates) included

• Payday: Friday, December 19 

• January 2026 payroll will reflect the new, ongoing pay rates

Investing in Teachers, Class Sizes, & Student Success

Campus principals and cabinet leaders are now evaluating instructional staffing needs based on enrollment and class sizes.

The VATRE enables the district to:

• Add or restore teacher positions to reduce class sizes

• Strategically support campuses with the highest student-teacher ratios

• Maintain student programs that were previously at risk due to limited revenue

These staffing conversations are already underway and will continue as we finalize hiring priorities and budget forecasting.