CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Alice Independent School District teachers are getting a back to school treat this year!
On top of the salary increases that were approved by the state this summer, the school board has decided to put more money into educator's pockets.
"I couldn't believe it was happening! I guess it was exciting," said Sandra T. Salinas an Alice ISD Employee.
"They were crying cause they were so happy. It really makes a difference," said Dr. Carl Scarbrough, Alice ISD Superintendent.
Dr. Scarborough said that after the state passed House Bill 3 back in June, he and the school board felt like a small raise wasn't enough.
Together, they wrote a proposal that would give Alice ISD teachers, librarians, administrators and food service employees a more significant and deserving financial boost.
"The range increases from $4,200.00 to $5,800.00 for our librarians and teachers. For counselors it's $4,500 and for hourly employees $1.50," said Dr. Scarbrough.
On average, employees will see a 10.61 percent raise, which will take effect on August 26, 2019.
"I felt like wow somebody sees what it takes to run a school district," said Salinas.
Dr. Scarbrough said he hopes the salary increases will help make the district more competitive when it comes to hiring teachers.
"I think it helped in the early recruiting in May and June. We retrained more teachers and we recruited more teachers with more experience that came to us," said Dr. Scarbrough.
Alice ISD employees said they're more excited now and looking forward to a new school year.
"Well, I thought I was going to retire until I found out I got a nice raise and it's like 'Oh no! Retirement can wait!" said Salinas.
Superintendent Scarbrough said the salary increases will not raise taxes.
He said due to unrelatd factors, people in the district will actually see a decrease in taxes.