Canutillo ISD compensation program expands for teachers in fine arts, language, career education

CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Canutillo Independent School District on Thursday announced its teachers have the opportunity to earn thousands of dollars in compensation for the 2026-27 school year. CISD said the district's Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program made the salary boost possible.

The district has had the program in place before. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved CISD's application to renew and expand the program this week.

CISD's incentive program started with core subjects like math, reading, science in history.

This year, the TEA approved Canutillo's TIA program to include teachers in fine arts, world languages and career and technical education, the district said. Now, more than 90% of the district's teachers are now eligible for the program, CISD said.

TIA gives teachers state-funded compensation based on instructional excellence and student growth tied to the teacher, the district said.

Within the district, teachers can get extra compensation ranging from $4,500 to more than $18,000 annually. The district said the compensation amount depends on teachers' designation level and campus assignment.

"This is a win for our teachers and a win for our students," CISD Superintendent Josue Borrego said. "The Teacher Incentive Allotment recognizes excellence where it matters most: in the classroom."

More than 150 teachers at CISD earned TIA designations, the district said.

"Great teachers change lives," Borrego said.

Gustavo Reveles, executive director of communications for CISD, said while the district has a balanced budget, it doesn't hurt to have extra funds.

"It's no secret that most school districts in the state are struggling financially because of limited state funding, so we take any opportunity to supplement teacher salary," Reveles said.

Reveles said the district has had the program for three years.