Trustees with Port Arthur Independent School District last week approved an $86.8 million general fund budget for the 2019-2020 year.

This is an increase of more than $2.3 million over the previous year’s budget.

PAISD Business Manager Phyllis Geans said instructional payroll costs, which is 77.84% of the budget, comes in at $40.9 million.

Superintendent Mark Porterie announced earlier this month that all incoming teachers would start with a $50,000 salary, which is the highest in the region. And thanks to House Bill 3, teachers will see a raise. The cost, Geans said, is approximately $2 million.

Health insurance for the district employees is costly, with PAISD contributing $303 per month per active Texas Retirement System member for coverage. The state will continue to kick in $75 per month per active member for a total of $378 per month.

The district also gives each employee $20,999 basic life insurance and $40,000 for accidental death.

Trustees also approved the tax rate of $1.48 per $100 valuation, the same rate as the previous year, Geans said.