Central Staff News

Trustees have approved the recommendations of a salary study conducted by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) calling for mid-year salary increases for many employees in Food & Child Nutrition Services, Police & Security, Maintenance & Facilities Services, Construction Services and Transportation Services. This approval will result in pay scale changes and compensation increases for 61 percent of employees in those departments effective March 1, 2019.

The following information answers questions employees may have about the board action.

What was the purpose of the study?

The TASB review compared the pay and the pay scale for various Dallas ISD Operations jobs to the average pay for similar positions in the Dallas labor market. Comparisons were based on jobs requiring similar skills, qualifications, and responsibilities and included both school districts and other Dallas employers.

What were the review’s findings?

Entry level pay for a number of Operations positions was identified as a challenge in the recruitment and retention of staff.  Many of the hard to fill positions were found to be in grounds, custodial and food services.  The study also verified that compensation in many job categories is reflective of the market and appropriate.  Another recommendation was to adjust pay scales for certain job categories.

What action did the board take to address these concerns?

• Raise the minimum wage for all employees to $12 per hour.
• Add adjustments for experienced employees in the bottom half of the pay range (i.e., those below market pay).
• Reset pay ranges to match market pay scales.
• Adjust the pay for other groups of employees during the regular budget cycle.
• Create a new pay structure for Construction Services.

What will these changes cost the district?

Based on the Board’s action approximately, 1,900, or 61 percent of employees in Police & Security, Maintenance, Food Services, Custodial Services, Construction Services, and Transportation Services will receive immediate salary increases ranging from 9.6 percent to 15 percent. The price tag for the raises for the remainder of the fiscal year is approximately $1.6 million, which will be covered with funds from the district’s general operating budget and special revenue funds.

Are there plans to review the salaries of other employees?

A second TASB study is currently underway to review the salaries of all other employees. The findings are expected to be presented to the board in April, and any recommendations for salary adjustments will be considered as part of the district’s 2019-2020 budget deliberations.

If you have questions regarding the study or how it may impact you, please contact notifycomp@dallasisd.org.

Do you know a friend or family member who might be interested in becoming a certified teacher? Refer an aspiring educator to the Dallas ISD Alternative Certification Teaching Program today! The first 100 Dallas ISD employees to refer a candidate will receive a token of appreciation. Simply complete the referral form by close of business Thursday, February 28, 2019. The Alternative Certification team will reach out directly to follow up with recommended candidates. For more information, go here to visit the Alternative Certification web page.

Volunteers are needed to support the annual Dallas ISD African American READ-IN, a project of trustees Joyce Foreman, Justin Henry and Lew Blackburn and the Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office. The event is designed to promote a love of reading, celebrate cultures and support diverse learners in grades K-5. District employees are invited to serve as volunteers to help with pre-event setup, registration, arrival and departure of students from buses, distribution of breakfast and lunch, crowd control and workshop facilitation.

African American Read-In: Poetry and Literature in Motion 
February 9, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Justin F. Kimball High School
3606 S. Westmoreland Road
Dallas, Texas 75233

To sign up to assist:

If you are an approved (cleared) Dallas ISD Volunteer:
To help with set-up, Friday, February 8, click here.
To assist at the day of the event, Saturday, February 9, please click here.

To become a Dallas ISD Volunteer and complete an application and orientation, click here.

Once approved as a volunteer, choose below:
To help with set-up, Friday, February 8, click here.
To assist at the day of the event, Saturday, February 9, please click here.

For additional information contact Dallas ISD Volunteer Services 972-925-5440 or volunteer@dallasisd.org

Do you want to sharpen your professional skills, develop your leadership ability, and become a more confident communicator?

At Dallas ISD Talk it Up! Toastmasters, you can accomplish these goals in a self-paced supportive environment alongside others pursuing the same goals. Toastmasters learn by doing, by following a proven program of speeches and leadership activities. Want to learn firsthand how Toastmasters can help you give voice to your potential?  Register through Cornerstone to attend Dallas ISD Talk It Up! Toastmasters Open House on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Linus D. Wright Administration Building, 9400 N. Central Expressway, Room 300.

Dallas ISD Talk It Up! meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Meetings are held at the H.B. Bell School Support Services Building on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month and at the Linus D. Wright Dallas ISD School Administration Building on the second and fourth Wednesdays.

Educators looking to continue their education and service to Dallas ISD students can apply for the annual $20,000 scholarship offered by Credit Union of Texas in honor of former Dallas ISD administrator William H. Cotton Scholarship. The scholarship offers $20,000 in financial assistance to a Dallas ISD educator seeking to pursue post-baccalaureate education to further their career in the field of education at Dallas ISD. The deadline to submit the application is March 29, 2019. Go here to download the application. Finalists for the award will be contacted by April 30, 2019, and the winner will be named by May 30, 2019.

Principal of Jose “Joe” May Elementary, Israel Rivera, received the 2018 scholarship.

This year, an estimated 250,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. The good news is that prevention and early detection are saving lives. Dallas ISD staff have the opportunity to donate toward breast cancer research by participating in the districtwide “Pink Out” day on Friday, Oct. 5.

Staff are encouraged to wear pink shirts, sweaters, cardigans, or other appropriate tops. Those who choose to donate toward breast cancer research can take advantage of the “Denim Day” also on Oct. 5 and wear work-appropriate jeans.

For instructions to donate via Oracle Employee Self-Service, click here. For any questions or additional information, contact the Benefits Department at benefits@dallasisd.org or (972) 925-4300.

The Benefits Department is hosting flu shot clinics this fall at district buildings and campuses from Sept. 27 through Nov. 2. To view the locations and times of the clinics, visit www.passageware.com/ClinicSignUp/DISD/.

Passport Health accepts the following PPO insurance plans:

• TRS-Aetna ActiveCare 1-HD and 2 Plans – covered at 100%
  • TRS SELECT plans cannot be accepted. *
  • Scott & White Plans cannot be accepted. *
• Aetna*
• Blue Cross Blue Shield*
• Cigna*
• Humana
• United Health Care
• Medicare Part B (Flu shots only-please provide a copy of any supplement plans also)

For employees who do not have an accepted insurance plan, the cost is $20 for the Quadrivalent flu vaccine, payable by cash or check, made out to Staying Healthy Medical Services.

To take advantage of the clinic, sign up online or with the campus organizer. Locations with low sign up counts may be cancelled prior to the clinic date. For additional information, contact the Benefits Department at benefits@dallasisd.org or (972) 925-4300.

*TRS Aetna ActiveCare Select plans and Scott & White plans cannot be accepted. Employees on these plans must see a Baylor Scott & White physician for all services, including vaccinations for the plan to cover the services. We are unable to accept HMO plans, Aetna & BCBS Bronze, Silver and Gold plans and Cigna Local Plus. Please see consent form for other known exceptions.