Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) board members approved a new district budget this week, but officials say it’s only the beginning. The budget passed Monday night includes a 2% raise for all employees, but major components tied to recently passed legislation—specifically House Bill 2—have yet to be finalized.
Awaiting Clarity from the State
House Bill 2, signed into law earlier this month by Governor Greg Abbott, places new limits on how much local school districts can collect through property taxes. In exchange, the law increases the state’s responsibility for school funding, including a boost in teacher pay. However, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is still working out the specifics, which leaves districts like AISD waiting for clear guidance before fully implementing the bill’s provisions.
“This budget that we passed today is not the final version,” said AISD Board President Doyle Corder. “House Bill 2 was signed by the governor, and those details of that budget—including the raises for our teachers—will be added as an amendment in the upcoming months as all those rules get written by TEA.”
Raises Coming—Just Not Yet
While the approved budget includes a modest across-the-board raise, the significant pay increases promised under HB 2 are not yet included. According to Corder, teachers with more than six years of experience could see an additional $5,000 per year under the new law, while those with less experience may receive around $2,000. These state-funded raises will be added to the budget once TEA finalizes its implementation rules.
Corder emphasized that the district is planning for those increases but must wait until the law’s funding mechanisms are clearly laid out.
Enrollment Decline and Budget Adjustments
Beyond the uncertainty around HB 2, AISD continues to face challenges tied to declining student enrollment. Corder noted that the district is budgeting for approximately 500 fewer students this year, a trend that’s been ongoing for several years.
“We’ve had declining attendance as we know here for the last several years,” said Corder. “We adjust for that every year. This year is no different.”
Factors contributing to the enrollment decline include shifting demographics and policy changes such as school voucher programs, though district leaders say multiple issues are at play.
Focus on Transparency and Planning Ahead
AISD officials say they are committed to keeping families, staff, and taxpayers informed throughout the budgeting process. With so many moving parts—ranging from teacher compensation to classroom funding and future staffing needs—the district is prioritizing clear communication as more details emerge from Austin.
“Transparency is key,” Corder said. “We want everyone to understand what these changes mean for our schools.”
