Granger teachers and staff receive raises Elementary gym needs roof
CANDICE GILMORE Special to the Press
GRANGER — A compensation package approved last week by Granger Independent School District trustees includes pay hikes for teachers and a 2% raise for other staffers, according to officials.
Trustees during the Aug. 12 meeting also focused on the deteriorating roof of the elementary school gymnasium but tabled a decision on paying for any repairs.
There is no immediate risk to students, educators said.
The school board held its first meeting of the 2026-27 school year after the conclusion of “Meet the Teacher” at Granger elementary and secondary schools.
During the session, the board discussed employee compensation, which included approval of “step” increases for educators based on tenure and experience.
Trustees also announced other school staff will see a 2% hike in their paychecks to help keep up with rising costs.
“Considering the volatile dynamics of public education and the lack of funding public education is facing, (the raises for teachers and staff) was a major win for the Granger ISD community,” said Superintendent Stephen Brosch. “Our ability to pay high-quality educators and staff in a competitive market is key to student learning, and our compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year continues to prioritize the importance of that.”
In other business, officials heard an update on the Granger Elementary School gymnasium roof, which sustained significant structural damage from heavy rains over the spring and summer.
“It does not pose a safety or health risk for students due to it being located on the east end of the gym, across from the main population of the school,” Brosch said.
District leaders learned the cost for repairs is substantial.
“It has been in need of repairs for years, the flooring and (heatingair conditioning-ventilation) also need to be restored so the roof is the tip of iceberg,” board President Roman Ramirez said.
Trustees said they would await a restoration company’s opinion on any repairs before moving forward.
In other news, the district is also starting two new programs: Lion PRIDE Dads and the Education Connection Program.
Lion PRIDE Dads — with the first letters standing for Partners in Education, Role Models in Action, Investing Time, Demonstrating Commitment and Empowering Students — calls on fathers and other male role models to mentor students on campus.
The men must pass a background check and have a valid Social Security number to participate.
Meanwhile, the Education Connection Program promotes early childhood literacy by having volunteers work each week with struggling readers.
The next school board meeting is 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in the board room at 300 N. Colorado St.
