District proposes $893,657 in total salary increases; classified starting wage raised to $15.05

District administrators presented an executive summary of proposed salary changes for the 2025–26 fiscal year and asked the board to consider approving the package in April so benefits enrollment and payroll actions can proceed.

Administrators said the certified (teacher) negotiation package, previously approved, totals $636,363. The classified‑staff proposal would add $218,157 to the budget and raise the district’s lowest classified starting wage to $15.05 per hour (noted as $0.05 above a cited initiative target). The presentation said the five‑year average increase is 3.56% historically and that the classified package would amount to a 5.37% total‑package increase for that employee group. The recommendation retains multi‑year service step increases (2.5% at 16 years, 5% at 21 years, 7.5% at 26 years and 10% at 31 years) and preserves an attendance incentive tied to an attendance‑rate requirement.

Other contracted (quasi‑supervisory) positions — eight employees in supervisory or quasi‑supervisory roles such as maintenance supervisor or school psychologist — were proposed to receive a 2.84% increase ($17,712 budget impact). Administrator salaries were recommended for targeted adjustments toward midpoint levels and a 1.38% total impact ($21,425). Taken together (certified, classified, other contracted and administrators), staff said the district is seeking $893,657 in total salary increases and asked the board to approve the package at the April meeting to enable Blue Cross Blue Shield enrollment and payroll processing.

Board members asked clarifying questions; no formal board vote on classified/other/administrator increases occurred at the committee meeting.