Van Alstyne ISD employees would each receive a one-time $500 payment in December under a resolution the school board takes up Monday, Nov. 9.
The resolution covers permanent full-time and half-time employees whose jobs began on or before Oct. 1. Both groups would get the same $500. Anyone who resigns with an effective date before Jan. 31 would not qualify, and the payment depends on the district having enough money, as determined by the superintendent, according to the draft posted with the agenda.
The resolution says the board expects budgeted funds to be available and describes the payment as a way to support morale and keep experienced staff.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the district's administration building. Trustees will also consider a proposed paraprofessional pay scale for 2026-27 and hold a public hearing on the district's state financial accountability rating, known as FIRST, for the 2025-26 school year, based on 2024-25 audited data.
Enrollment keeps climbing
A campus count dated Nov. 3 puts district enrollment at 3,027 students, up from 2,863 in November 2025. Van Alstyne High School has 854 students, the largest campus, followed by Van Alstyne Junior High with 502 and Sanford Elementary with 480.
Fourth elementary timeline
The packet includes a schedule for Elementary School No. 4. Design of the first phase is due Dec. 4, with bids advertised Jan. 4-28, 2027, and a contract award planned for Feb. 15. A second phase covering civil work and structural concrete would be bid April 1, with construction set to begin May 3, 2027.
