School Board Proposes Long Overdue Pay Increase for Coaches

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the urgent need for a new facility for the Mary Frances Wall School, which serves a vulnerable student population. Advocates emphasized the lack of representation for these students and the necessity of immediate action to address their needs. The proposed Mary Frances Wall Center aims to maintain educational services within the community, responding to feedback from local residents about the long-term plans for the Beverly Hills site.

The timeline for the new center is critical, with hopes to move by January 2026, although delays could push this to August. The urgency of the situation was highlighted, as stakeholders expressed concern for the well-being of the students who require support now.

In a separate agenda item, the meeting addressed a proposed stipend increase for athletic and fine arts personnel, marking the first increase in over a decade. The proposal aims to enhance recruitment and retention of qualified staff amid challenges in filling positions. The increase is described as modest yet necessary to align with neighboring counties and to ensure that the district can attract and keep talented coaches and instructors.

The proposal includes a restructuring of the pay scale to create more equitable compensation based on experience. The total cost for the stipend adjustments is projected at approximately $361,000, which includes new positions for middle school fine arts, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational offerings in both athletics and the arts.

Board members expressed strong support for the proposal, emphasizing the critical role that coaches and fine arts instructors play in students' lives. The discussions underscored a collective desire to prioritize funding for these essential positions, with several members advocating for a clear understanding of how the increases would be financed to ensure sustainability.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant initiatives aimed at improving educational facilities and staff compensation, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting vulnerable student populations and enhancing the quality of education in the community.