(San Antonio, TX)  --  The Southwest Independent School District has approved staff raises totalling one-point-eight million dollars effective next year.  They amount to a two-percent increase for teachers and three-percent for paraprofessionals and hourly employees.  Officials say they want to offset the rising cost of living and health insurance premiums.  They say the raises were possible after making close to five million in cuts last year by eliminating positions and reducing operating expenses.