March 6, 2006

Dickinson Independent School District

The Dickinson Independent School District Board of Trustees on March 6 voted 4-0 to approve a new teacher salary schedule for the 2006-2007 school year.  The action provides a $600 increase to all teacher pay steps.

“We are excited that the Board approved the 2006-2007 teacher salary schedule early before spring teacher recruiting begins,” said Renee Casey, director of human resources. “When comparing the new DISD starting teacher salary with those of 16 area school districts, Dickinson ISD is very competitively tied at fifth.”

The newly approved teacher salary schedule will have an estimated $311,000 impact on the next school year budget, which district administration believes will be offset by state revenue from continually increasing student growth.

The school board voted 4-0 to sell the remaining $54.5 million in funds from the April 2005 Dickinson ISD bond issue and to proceed with planning and construction of all projects included in the $85 million bond issue.

“The district will be well below the projected 18 cent increase which was projected and publicized to the public when the bond issue passed in April 2005,” said Terrell Palmer of First Southwest, the district’s financial advisor.

At the meeting, Palmer also explained the positive ratings given to the district through both the Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service rating systems. Standard and Poor’s reaffirmed their AAA enhanced rating and A- issuer credit rating, while Moody’s upgraded the district’s rating to A3 from Baa1.

The school board recognized the DHS Lady Gator Basketball Team on its 2005-2006 season. The team finished 2nd in District and were able to advance to the playoffs where they were Bi-District champs, Area Champs, and advanced to the Regional Semi-Final Tournament.

A full report on the school board meeting is included in the Board Report published by Public Information Officer Tammy Dowdy.  Report

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