Celina ISD teachers will see an average $2,725 pay bump when school starts Wednesday, August 12, after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $131.92 million operating budget for the 2026-27 school year.
The budget represents a $27.8 million increase over the 2025-26 plan of $104.1 million, yet the district held the tax rate flat at $1.20890 per $100 of property valuation. It is Celina ISD's third consecutive year adopting a budget with no deficit, according to the Celina Record.
The pay raise amounts to a 4% increase at the salary midpoint for all CISD teachers and staff. Trustees first approved the compensation increase at their May 18 meeting, according to Community Impact. The full operating budget was then formally adopted at the Monday, June 22 board meeting under Superintendent Dr. Tom Maglisceau's administration.
Under the new pay scale, starting teacher salary in Celina ISD is $61,525, rising to $79,737 for educators with 30 or more years of experience. Teachers with a master's degree receive an additional $2,000 stipend, according to the district's published pay plan.
Chief of Business Resources Dr. Melissa Kelly presented budget assumptions at the June 22 meeting covering student enrollment, staffing, attendance rates, property values, and the district's recapture payment to the state. The 2025-26 school year ended with a $3.8 million surplus, according to the district's board meeting recap.
Director of Human Resources Mindy Schoen also presented amendments to employee benefits as part of the compensation plan, which trustees unanimously approved.
New schools and enrollment growth
The budget increase reflects Celina ISD's rapid growth. The district operates five elementary schools, two middle schools, and Celina High School, serving students in grades pre-K through 12.
Willard Middle School opens this fall as a 5th and 6th grade center, with furniture delivered over the summer. Three new elementary campuses in the Green Meadows, Uptown, and Ramble areas are under construction and scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year, as we reported July 28.
The career and technical education wing at Celina High School was nearing completion as of the June 22 meeting. CISD students earned 306 industry-based certifications across 15 programs of study in 2025-26, and the district's College, Career & Military Readiness rate stands at 84.8%, above the state average of 81.8%.
Special education demand has also surged. The number of students with Individualized Education Programs has increased 303% since 2021, with 17% of CISD students qualifying for special education services.
The board last met Monday, July 27. Classes begin August 12.
