Spring Branch ISD trustees approve pay increase

Trustees from Spring Branch Independent School District recently approved a 2 percent salary increase for employees of the district.

The pay increase will take place in conjunction with an employee's new contract year.

This decision was part of the fiscal year 2013 proposed budget. The budget also preserves student programs and services while maintaining financial and programming priorities in the new Five-Year Educational Plan.

The proposal was approved after a second public hearing

In the coming year, the district has anticipated a 1 percent decrease in expenditures. Also, $10 million will be used to balance the budget, which is half of the maximum amount allowed in the district's two-year plan to fund a balance.

Spring Branch ISD has lost about $14.2 million in revenue since the 2011 fiscal year, though student enrollment has increased by 1,133.

Due to reductions in state education aid and funding formulas, overall revenue is expected to decrease in the coming year. Despite these financial struggles, the board of trustees is committed to SBISD employees and remains focused on providing sufficient salaries.