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Staff Weekly
By Christina Burbank & Collaborators泭May 22, 2024
Smart Brevity簧 count: 4.5 mins...1236 words
Its our last newsletter of the year! But first, some fun things to take you into summer
Congratulations to our retirees! This year we have 259 retirees with a combined 5,199 years of service.
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Special kudos to Norberta Aguilar, Carye Edelman, Cathryn Harris, Eva Luna-Belmares, Collins Van Nort and Celia Venegas, who are retiring with more than 40 years of service!
In the mood for soccer? Kick off your summer next week at the Austin FC match against the Portland Timbers.
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1 big thing: Employee Compensation Agreement
District Leadership and Education Austin have agreed on a that would include market adjustments and a 25 cent per hour increase for classified employees.
Yes, butThe permanent pay increases would only go into effect if the board calls for and voters approve a potential Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election.
Why it matters: Despite making $30M in non-campus based cuts, the district still faces a $59 million deficit. To increase teacher and staff salaries, we would either need an influx of funds or, wed have to consider deeper cuts that would impact the classroom.
How it works: Market adjustments for active, benefits-eligible staff would allow us to keep our pay plans fair and balanced and remain competitive with other districts and the job market.
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Market adjustments vary based on the position and years of experience, so not all employees hourly rate would be adjusted.
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All classified staff, however, would receive a minimum increase of $.25 per hour.
Once we know our approved budget, our compensation team would work with TASB to compare our current compensation plans to other local districts and the outside job market.
If theres no infusion of funds through a VATRE, the agreement states that all active, regular employees in a full-time position would receive a one-time incentive payment of $500.
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Active, regular employees who are less than full-time but benefits-eligible will receive a one-time incentive payment of $250.
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The payments would be made on the mid-December paycheck.
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Qualifying employees must be in active status as of December 1, 2024 to receive payment.
Where we stand: While were navigating limited funds, we remain committed to addressing long-overdue inequities in our compensation for classified staff and our more experienced teachers.
View the full story to understand next steps
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熱えapp Groundbreaking and Construction Kick-off Celebrations
Weve officially celebrated groundbreakings for schools undergoing full modernizations, marking the commencement of the first modernization projects since voters approved the 2022 Bond.
Two schools also kicked off renovations to open-concept floor plans, adding full walls and doors between learning areas to enhance safety and the overall student experience.
What theyre saying: As we reflect on our campus history and celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are also looking to the future with great excitement, said Cook Principal Priscilla Sanchez Emamian. The improvements planned from the 2022 Bond will make a tremendous positive impact on our students and staff. We cant wait to see our schools transformation.
What's next: Construction on the modernizations of Harris and Wooten elementary schools and Sadler Means Young Womens Leadership Academy will kick off this summer.
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Harris and Wooten are expected to open in January 2026, and Sadler Means is anticipated to open in January 2027.
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Construction on the renovations of Cook and Williams elementary schools will start this summer, with anticipated completion before the start of the 202526 school year.
Go deeper: For more information about 2022 Bond projects, visit or message us on Let's Talk by texting 512-856-6123 or online at
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Mental Health Awareness Month
熱えapp teachers are putting their mental health first by integrating mindfulness, social-emotional learning and yoga into the classroom. The initiative is through a district pilot program with .
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The pilot launched in January with 30 teachers at 10 campuses and helps train the teachers to center mental health with their students and spread the learning to their colleagues on campus.
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The goal is to grow a second cohort at 10 additional campuses.
Why it matters: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In 熱えapp, were focused on eliminating the stigma of mental health and creating support for students and staff to thrive.
What theyre saying: [Breathe for Change] has transformed my teaching and relationships across the campus, Cowan Elementary School Teacher Devon Whipple said. I think taking care of ourselves as teachers is so important and when were not taking care of ourselves, we cant take care of our students.
Dive deeper with more helpful tips and resources on the 熱えapp Mental Health website.
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Student Success: Senior discovers passion for firefighting
Ava Martinez is graduating this month with her sights set on becoming a firefighter. A senior at Austin High School, Martinez enrolled in the at LBJ Early College High School during her sophomore year, which stoked her curiosity and passion for the trade.
Why it matters: 熱えapp offers a wide range of Career and Technical Education opportunities, regardless of the students home school. Through Student Sharing, students across the district can participate in unique programming and find their passion for the future.
How it works: Martinez goes to Austin High School for her regular classes and then spends half her day at doing hands-on work towards her certifications.
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Martinez isn't unfamiliar with the field. Her father and older brother are firefighters and although she hadn't planned to be one herself, she joined the LBJ Fire Academy to follow her brothers path, who also attended the academy.
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The motivation was definitely living up to the expectations of my dad and brother. I want to be able to show them that I can do it too, Martinez said.
Whats next: Martinez, is graduating from Austin High School with an LBJ Fire Academy certificate, and is ready to serve her community. Shes applied to the Austin Fire Department and If she's accepted and meets all criteria, she could begin her dream job in January.
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Have a great summer and thanks for having us in your inbox this year!
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