LGISD Considering Teacher Incentive Allotment

LGISD is looking into participating in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). This program is a way to reward exceptional teachers.

Established in 2019 with House Bill 3, the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) allows highly effective teachers to earn recognition and gain access to a higher salary. TIA established three levels of designation: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Teachers may earn a designation either through a district local designation system or by being a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). Once a designation is awarded, it remains active until the expiration date. Locally issued designations expire after five years. Designations issued to NBCTs are valid until the July following the expiration of the National Board Certificate.

Districts are entitled to an annual allotment through the Foundation School Program (FSP) when they employ eligible designated teachers; however, there are spending requirements related to the allotment. Annual teacher allotments range from $3K to $32K. Campus allotment values are determined based on the campus’ rural status and student socio-economic demographics. Allotment values are updated each year to reflect the current student demographics.

Local ESC’s provide support and specialized help for districts as they work to build a local TIA designation system, determine eligible teaching assignments and campuses and develop a TIA spending plan. Administration recently met with Region 13, La Grange ISD’s district ESC, to discuss timelines, resources and helpful information should La Grange ISO decide to become a TIA District. The memorandum of understanding presented at the March board meeting between Region 13 ESC and La Grange ISO outlines the technical assistance, support and training Region 13 would provide to La Grange ISO.

Acquisition of New Library Materials There were 75 books presented – five on the high school list, four on the middle school list, and the remainder on the elementary list. Materials presented at Monday night’s meeting will be approved at the meeting on May 19 if there are no concerns presented to the superintendent by two board members by April 23 which is 30 days after the presentation.

Upcoming E-Rate Bids David Bennett gave a report on the upcoming E-Rate Bids. He reminded the board that as a participant in the Universal Service Administration Company Schools and Libraries E-Rate program, the district is eligible to purchase network-related services, such as internet service, fiber, and network hardware, at a reduced cost. The discount is contingent upon the district’s participation in the free and reduced lunch program. The district will be able to receive an 80% discount rate for the 2025-26 school year.

The district renews the internet service every three years. Colorado Valley Communications was chosen as the new provider as they will provide 10GB of service for $504.99 per month ($6,059.88 annually.) With the 80% discount, the final cost to the district will be $1,211.98 for the year. This is a savings from the previous cost of $1,000 per month (before the discount) for only 1GB of service.

The district needs new network switches. The district will replace a portion of the switches this cycle and the remainder will be replaced on the next. Intech Southwest was awarded the contract for this job. The price of this project is $130,968, but with the 80% discount, the final cost to the district is $26,193.60.