HB 3 Update (School Counselor Compensation)

Your calls worked! School counselors will be eligible for raises in any year a district receives an increase in its Basic Allotment (BA). HB 3 creates a somewhat complicated formula to determine what the actual amount available for raises will be. Of that amount, 75% must be allocated to provide raises for classroom teachers, school counselors, nurses, and librarians, with districts directed to prioritize differentiated compensation for classroom teachers with 5+ years of experience. The remaining 25% must be allocated for other full-time employees, except administrators. HB 3 also states that “compensation” includes benefits such as insurance premiums. 

Bottom line: Your raise will depend on the formula for your school district. There is no uniform increase as there was in the Senate version. It is expected that all districts will see increases in their Basic Allotment and therefore be required to increase compensation in the upcoming school year.

New Duties: HB 3 now also requires students to complete the FAFSA or TAFSA. School counselors will make determinations of good cause for students not to complete those forms. School counselors will also serve with administrators and other stakeholders on an advisory committee at TEA to create rules and make recommendations on program implementation. 

HB 3 is 303 pages long. It must be adopted by the House and Senate by tomorrow. TCA will provide a more thorough analysis following adoption.  

Thank you again for your hard work this session!