On June 23, the HCISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board also approved the district’s Compensation Plan, which includes salary increases for all Harlingen CISD employees, increased daily pay rates for substitutes, and continued investments in programs that support employees and their families.
“This compensation plan reflects what we believe as a Board, which is investing in our employees is one of the best investments we can make,” said Board President Eladio Jaimez. “We appreciate the work our employees do each day for our students, and we are proud to support a plan that recognizes their dedication while remaining fiscally responsible.”
Throughout the spring semester, Trustees and administration worked collectively to study the district’s financial outlook, review budget priorities, and identify responsible ways to support employees while maintaining a balanced budget. Following careful review, and as part of HCISD’s continued commitment to investing in employees, the Board of Trustees approved the following compensation plan for the 2026-2027 school year:
- In alignment with House Bill 2 and the Teacher Retention Allotment launched last year:
- Teachers currently in year 2 who are moving into year 3 will receive $2,500
- Teachers currently in year 4 who are moving into year 5 will receive an additional $2,500
- All other teachers will receive a $1,200 salary increase.
- Salaried employees will receive a 1.5% increase from midpoint.
- Hourly employees will receive a 2% increase from midpoint.
- Substitute daily rates will increase to $90 per day for non-degreed substitutes, $130 per day for degreed substitutes, and $150 per day for certified substitutes.
“I am grateful to our Board for approving a compensation plan that reflects both our commitment to employees and our commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Superintendent Dr. Veronica Kortan said. “Through intentional planning and responsible budgeting, we are able to invest in the people who serve our students every day while keeping HCISD on solid financial footing.”
Dr. Kortan also thanked employees across the district for their role in helping HCISD reach this point in its fiscal journey.
“Presenting a balanced budget required strategic prioritization of resources, collaboration, and shared responsibility across our entire organization,” Kortan said. “I want to sincerely thank our staff, campus leaders, department leaders, and every employee who helped us stay focused on what matters most. Because of the collective work of our team, we are able to continue planning for our students, support the people who serve them, and remain responsible stewards of district resources. I have deep respect and admiration for our employees, and I am grateful for the role each person played in helping HCISD move forward.”
The approved plan also recognizes the important role substitutes play in supporting campuses and maintaining continuity for students.
“Our substitutes are an important part of the learning environment,” Kortan said. “They step in to support our classrooms, campuses, and students, and we are grateful for their service to HCISD.”
In addition to salary and substitute pay increases, HCISD continues to invest in programs that support employees and their families. The district continues to expand opportunities for teachers to earn additional compensation through the Teacher Incentive Allotment, with 99% of HCISD teaching staff eligible to earn a designation this coming year. All HCISD employees who have an eligible 3-year-old child may also participate in the district’s Pre-K3 program at Austin Elementary IB World School.
“Our employees are at the heart of HCISD,” Kortan said. “They create the learning environments, relationships, and opportunities that shape brighter futures for children. The most precious and powerful gift we can give students is an education, and our people make that possible every day.”
Kortan said the adoption of a balanced budget also allows the district to remain focused on future opportunities for students.
“The adoption of a balanced budget will position us to continue dreaming big for kids as we imagine the possibilities for each student we serve,” Kortan said.
The approved budget and compensation plan position HCISD to continue serving students, supporting employees, and planning responsibly for the future while navigating the realities of public school funding.
