School Board proposes salary increase for teachers and establishes new advisory council

The USD-457 Board of Education meeting held on June 2, 2025, focused on several key proposals regarding teacher salaries and benefits, as well as updates on council compensations.

One of the main topics discussed was the proposed increase in the base salary for teachers by $1,500, raising it to $48.05. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to enhance compensation for educators, which also includes changes to the salary schedule for those moving from a bachelor's degree to a master's or doctorate level. The adjustments aim to provide a more significant financial incentive for teachers pursuing advanced degrees.

Additionally, the board confirmed that fringe benefits would remain at $900 for the 2024 school year. A notable initiative discussed was the illness and disability bank, which allows unused sick days to be converted into monetary value based on the average daily rate of teachers. This fund will be transferred into the health reserve fund, benefiting all employees.

The meeting also addressed the supplemental salary schedule, which is linked to the base salary increase. All staff members with supplemental roles will see a salary increase due to this adjustment.

Furthermore, the board clarified the compensation structure for various councils. The Professional Development Council (PDC) will continue to receive compensation, while the Curriculum Council will not receive monetary compensation but will earn PDC points. The board also introduced a new council, the Safe Learning Advisory Council, to address safety and learning commitments within the district.

Overall, these discussions reflect the board's commitment to improving teacher compensation and clarifying the roles and benefits associated with various councils within the school district. The next steps will involve finalizing these proposals and implementing the changes in the upcoming school year.