(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – April 28, 2026) — El Paso ISD is taking bold steps to invest in the people who make student success possible by expanding strategic compensation designed to reward excellence, attract top talent, and retain outstanding educators and campus leaders.
Through the expansion of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and the development of a new performance-based compensation model for principals, El Paso ISD continues to position itself as a regional leader in innovative educator support systems.
“These efforts reflect a core belief that our team members are the district’s greatest strength,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said. “Great schools are built by great teachers, strong principals, and dedicated staff. When our team helps students achieve at high levels, that excellence deserves to be recognized and rewarded.”
Expanding Teacher Incentive Allotment
El Paso ISD is broadening its TIA program to include all core subject area teachers in every school; this includes math, reading, science and social studies. This also includes the special education co-taught and resource teachers. The widening of the TIA local designation system ensures performance-based compensation opportunities extend beyond traditionally state-tested courses.
Created by the Texas Legislature through House Bill 3, the TIA provides additional funding to districts that recognize highly effective educators. By measuring classroom observations and student academic growth, these local performance systems allow eligible teachers to earn state-funded compensation increases while continuing to serve students in the classroom.
The district’s phased expansion plan would grow from the current approximately 150 participating teachers in 2025-26 to more than 2,300 teachers in 2026-27, with full implementation reaching all teachers in 2027-28. Estimated annual funding generated through the state program could grow to $18 million once fully implemented.
“El Paso ISD is committed to aligning compensation with impact,” Lusk said. “This is not about changing why teachers teach. It is about honoring the incredible work they already do every day to help students grow, succeed, and reach their potential.”
Supporting Campus Leadership
In addition to teacher compensation, El Paso ISD is developing a strategic compensation framework for campus administrators, beginning with principals in the 2026-27 school year.
The framework will consider multiple measures such as leadership effectiveness, student outcomes, instructional systems, and campus climate.
“Recognizing great leadership is one more way we invest in successful schools,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said. “Principals help shape the daily experience of students, teachers, and families. When schools are led well, classrooms are stronger, staff feel supported, and students are better positioned to succeed.”
Planning for assistant principals will continue next year, with expansion targeted for the 2027-28 school year.
A Commitment to Educators
With more than 3,400 teachers, El Paso ISD continues to invest in the classroom. District officials note that teachers stay in EPISD an average of 13.5 years, which is a sign of the strong culture and commitment across the district.
“Strategic compensation is about more than pay,” Lusk said. “It is about showing our educators that their work matters, their leadership matters, and their impact on students matters. When we invest in our people, we invest in the future of El Paso.”