The Brownsville Independent School District approved a pay raise for all employees.

Starting pay for teachers was raised by about eight percent.to $53,000 per year for teachers with at least one year of experience.

Current teachers will see a $4,000 raise.

That pay boost is something the Texas Valley Educators Association has been fighting for.

“They deserve dignity and more than just thank yous and a pat on the back,” Texas Valley Educators Association Executive Director Adina Alegria said. “They need to be compensated. They need a livable wage, and they need a competitive wage."