Texas just gave public education a much-needed financial boost. With House Bill 2 now signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, teachers and school support staff across the state are set to see pay raises starting this year.
What HB 2 Means for Teachers
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According to guidance from Canutillo ISD, the bill introduces retention allotments for both certified and uncertified teachers who spend at least four hours a day in the classroom. These allotments are not tied to student enrollment or ADA (average daily attendance), but rather to actual staffing that meets state eligibility standards.
The biggest impact? Teachers with three or more years of experience will receive additional money, an effort to reward long-term dedication and improve retention rates.
“This move boosts morale and shows commitment to keeping experienced educators in the classroom,” noted Canutillo ISD.
Support staff — the unsung heroes who keep schools running — also benefit. The bill includes a $45 per-student allotment based on adjusted average attendance, dedicated to non-administrative roles. That means counselors, librarians, cafeteria workers, custodians, and others will see mandatory salary increases.
The law requires that these increases be reflected in base pay, not bonuses. As Canutillo ISD puts it:
“Salary increases under SSRA must be increases in base pay… and should be reported as base pay.”
What’s Next
The changes are set to take effect in the upcoming school year. Districts will begin adjusting payrolls and budgets to align with the new guidelines.
This bill marks a meaningful shift in how Texas supports the educators and staff who make learning possible — with real dollars and clear rules.
