ROISD Board approves raises for the 2026-2027 school year

May 12, 2026

Contact:         Beth Trimble, Chief Communications Officer
972-617-2941   beth.trimble@redoakisd.org

ROISD Board approves raises
for the 2026-2027 school year

(RED OAK, TX) — Red Oak Independent School District (ISD) continues to strategically manage projected revenue and expenditures to provide competitive staff compensation and benefits.

On May 11, 2026, the Board of Trustees approved the administration’s recommendation to implement salary increases for all employees for the 2026–2027 school year.

Under the approved plan, all teachers on the current pay scale will receive their annual step increase in addition to a $1,000 salary increase. Auxiliary, paraprofessional, administrative, and professional staff will receive a 3% increase based on the midpoint of their respective pay ranges.

“Red Oak ISD remains competitive in educator compensation within the Ellis County region,” said Superintendent Brenda Sanford. “We continuously evaluate and enhance our compensation packages and employee benefits, including loyalty stipends, retirement plans, attendance incentives, and increased insurance contributions, to support our staff and demonstrate our appreciation.”

Among the four largest school districts in Ellis County with enrollments exceeding 5,000 students, Red Oak ISD ranks highest in teacher compensation for those with 14 or more years of experience and second for those with 0–13 years of experience.

In addition, district administration has revised the 2026–2027 one-time loyalty payment plan following a recommendation from the Employee Action Committee. Eligible employees will receive payments in November based on ROISD years of service, as outlined below:

0-5 years of service             $250.00

6-15 years of service           $500.00

16-25 years of service         $750.00

26+ years of service            $1,000.00

At a time when many districts are closing campuses, reducing staff, or foregoing salary increases, Red Oak ISD continues to prioritize its employees by investing in meaningful compensation improvements.

District leadership and the Board of Trustees recognize that personnel costs comprise more than 85% of the district’s budget, underscoring the importance of competitive salaries and benefits. The Board remains committed to transparency and to ensuring that employees feel valued and appreciated.

The full Red Oak ISD Compensation Plan will be presented for Board approval in June, alongside the adoption of the district’s annual budget. Salary increases for the 2026–2027 school year will be finalized based on the approved compensation plan.

We are fortunate to have exceptional staff across all departments, from student nutrition and custodial services to classroom teachers and administrators, who are dedicated to making Red Oak ISD a premier district,” Sanford added. “We recognize the importance of attracting and retaining experienced, high-quality educators, and we value the commitment our staff brings to Hawk Nation each day.”

Red Oak ISD is currently in the data collection phase for the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. Eligible teachers will have the opportunity to earn additional state-funded compensation beyond their district salary, as well as National Board Certified teachers.