GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Grand Prairie Independent School District was awarded $2.2 million from the Teacher Incentive Allotment program to fund its teacher recruitment and retention efforts.
Across the district, 203 teachers received roughly $11,000. Some were given almost $25,000 more than their regular salary for the next five years.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to recognize our great teachers,” said GPISD Board of Trustees President Amber Moffitt. “This program allows us to honor and thank them for their impact on our students.”
Grand Prairie ISD expects 21% of the teachers impacted by the program's funding to have an annual income higher than $85,000 this year.
The average Texas teacher earns $62,463, trailing the national average by $9,000, the release states. The state has not boosted its basic budget allotment for public schools since 2019, forcing districts across North Texas to make changes to staffing, class sizes and program offerings, WFAA found.
“A strong educator in the classroom is key to student success,” said GPISD Superintendent Jorge Arredondo. “As we elevate our teachers, we elevate our students as well.”
The teacher-focused funding comes at a time of discontent in the profession. The Texas State Teachers Association surveyed 840 teacher members of its organization as part of a study in collaboration with Sam Houston State University. The survey found that 65% of teachers considered leaving the profession last spring, according to a press release from the association.
The findings indicate that teachers are unhappy with the political climate and attitudes toward public education, the release states.
Grand Prairie ISD goes back to school on Aug. 13.
