Lamar CISD Approves New Strategic Plan and Raises Teacher, Staff, and Substitute Pay for 2025–2026 School Year
Lamar CISD has adopted a new five-year strategic plan and approved significant teacher and staff raises for the 2025–2026 school year, including increased substitute teacher pay and expanded benefits. Here's what Fort Bend County residents need to know.
Strategic Plan Will Guide Lamar CISD Through 2030
At its May 5 special meeting held in Rosenberg, the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, setting the direction for educational priorities, community engagement, and district operations over the next five years.
The plan was developed with input from district staff, families, and community members and includes the following guiding elements:
- Vision: “We are a values-driven community where innovation thrives, excellence is the standard, and every student has access to an elite education.”
- Mission: “We equip every student with the knowledge and skills to pursue meaningful opportunities, boldly shaping futures filled with purpose, possibility, and impact.”
Lamar CISD’s strategic priorities include:
- Enhanced student learning experiences
- Safe learning and working environments
- Staff quality and support
- Home and community partnerships
- Organizational effectiveness
Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens affirmed his support for the plan’s impact on student outcomes and district alignment, saying: “Many of us on the board have been very involved in this process. I think it’s a good plan going forward, and I think it really sets us up for success.”
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Teacher Salary Schedule Updated; Raises Approved for All Staff
The board also approved the 2025–2026 Lamar CISD teacher salary schedule and staff compensation plan. The approved salary adjustments include:
- New teacher starting salary: $65,700
- Existing teachers: Flat $2,000 raise
- All other district staff: 3% raise based on the midpoint of their pay grade
Instructional aides will see pay adjustments to bring wages in line with other local school districts. This change affects staff in four aide pay grades and represents a total budget impact of $1.445 million, with an additional $908,000 for raises beyond the standard 3%.
Dr. Nivens credited the collaborative efforts behind the compensation package, stating: “Our committee members made up of community staff business leaders—they worked tirelessly and had some great discussions around this. So thank you to everyone that was part of the process.”
Substitute Teacher Pay and Benefits Increased
The board also addressed Lamar CISD substitute teacher pay and support programs, particularly in special education classrooms. The following changes were approved:
- New substitute teacher pay rates in self-contained classrooms:
- Non-degreed: $125/day (up from $90)
- Degreed: $140/day (up from $105)
- Certified: $155/day (up from $120)
- Professional development for substitutes:
- 10 paid training days and 5 classroom observation days for 100 special education substitutes
- Training cost: $187,500 (partially covered by the 2024–2025 budget)
- Wellness Days:
- All self-contained classroom staff now receive 4 paid wellness days annually (up from 2)
- Estimated cost: $147,000
These changes aim to improve the district’s ability to recruit and retain quality substitutes, particularly for high-need roles.
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Budget Outlook for 2025–2026
As of the May meeting, Lamar CISD is working with a projected $3.3 million budget deficit, down from a $5 million estimate the month prior. The district is still awaiting final property tax value assessments and any legislative updates that could impact state funding or basic allotment.
The board’s budget committee will continue reviewing cost-saving measures and exploring revenue generation, such as updates to facility rental policies. Additional information will be shared at upcoming public meetings.
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.
