Cy-Fair ISD Adopts $1.2 Billion Budget for 2025-2026, Restores Bus Transportation and Approves 14th Year of Staff Raises
The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $1.2 billion budget for the 2025-2026 school year during its regularly scheduled meeting on June 23. The comprehensive financial plan not only restores full bus transportation services to all students within the district’s attendance boundaries, but also marks the 14th consecutive year of salary increases for all CFISD employees.
The newly adopted $1,226,419,644 budget reflects the district’s commitment to prioritizing both students and staff amid changing legislative and funding landscapes. CFISD’s projected revenues total $1,180,946,791 and include $519.9 million in local revenues, $653 million in state revenues, and $8 million from federal and other sources.
Transportation Restored for All Students
A key highlight of the budget is the full reinstatement of bus transportation services for the 2025-2026 school year. After transportation cuts impacted many families in the 2024-2025 school year due to budget shortfalls, the district’s ability to bring back this critical service comes as welcome news to thousands of parents across the community.
“Tonight, we passed a budget that focuses on what matters most: taking care of our staff, keeping our students safe and maintaining the essential services our families rely on,” said Board President Scott Henry.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Across-the-Board Raises and Starting Salary Increases
The board approved a series of compensation increases aimed at boosting teacher retention and improving market competitiveness for all employees:
- $5,000 retention stipend for teachers with five or more years of experience
- $2,500 retention stipend for teachers with three to four years of experience
- Pay raises for teachers with one to two years of experience
- Starting teacher salary increase from $63,000 to $65,000
- 4% salary increase for all other employees, calculated on the greater of midpoint or base pay
- Hourly/paraprofessional starting pay raised to $15 per hour
- Full-year salary increases for transportation staff
- Market adjustments recommended in the 2025 salary study
These changes mean most teachers will receive an overall salary increase between 4% and 8%, including their standard step pay based on years of service.
“This legislative session produced statewide public school funding increases with CFISD expecting $62 million in additional funding,” said Justin Ray, chair of the Board’s Governance Committee. “This increase won’t close the budget gap but will help pay for important district priorities such as salary increases and transportation reinstatement. The additional funding will help CFISD to continue providing district resources and maintain an adequate fund balance for the next few budget cycles.”
Other Key Budget Highlights
In addition to the raises and transportation funding, the budget accounts for increased CFISD minimum employee health insurance contributions, higher payments to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), and modified stipends for special education staff.
Board leaders noted that while the additional funding from House Bill 2 provides some relief, challenges remain in fully closing the district’s long-term budget gap.
“The funding increase approved this session through House Bill 2 is a step in the right direction,” Henry said. “It won’t close our entire budget gap, but it helps cover important priorities like salary increases and restoring transportation and it gives us a stronger foundation to continue supporting students in the years ahead.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Looking Ahead
With the restoration of transportation services and meaningful investments in staff compensation, CFISD signals a renewed commitment to both educational excellence and workforce stability. District leaders emphasized the importance of continued legislative support and fiscal responsibility to ensure long-term sustainability.
For updates on CFISD news and other education updates, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
