Kearney board ratifies teacher contract, approves staff raises, athletic trainer contract and modest fee increases

The Kearney Public Schools Board of Education ratified a new contract with the Kearney Education Association and approved across‑the‑board compensation increases and service agreements covering the 2025–26 school year.

The board ratified a negotiated agreement that increases base step‑one pay and provides additional compensation and benefit changes. The package raised base pay on step 1 from $40,000 to $40,700 and added a negotiated flat salary payment for certified staff (an amount negotiated to $7,200 beginning 2025–26). The district also increased its single‑insurance contribution to $3,200 (from $3,000) and increased the family insurance contribution by $2,400 (from $5,900 to $8,300). Negotiators described the teacher package as a 4.86 percent total compensation ask.

The board also approved a separate salary action for non‑certified staff: a 5 percent average increase for classified employees (paraprofessionals, custodial, food service, administrative assistants) and a 5 percent average increase for classified exempt positions (social workers, nurses, directors). Administrators and the board approved an average 3 percent increase for building and central‑office administrative staff. The district calculated the combined effect as roughly a 4.38 percent average KPS contribution across all employees when weighted with the certified agreement.

Board members and negotiators noted recruiting pressures in local labor markets. As one board member observed, during discussion, “We want to keep the good people,” and the 5 percent proposals for classified staff were defended as necessary to remain competitive with rising local wages and the higher costs of living.

On services, the board approved a five‑year athletic training services agreement with Family Physical Therapy starting June 1, 2025 and expiring May 31, 2030. Under the arrangement presented to the board, New West Sports Medicine will contribute $5,000 annually and pay for Sway concussion testing; Family Physical Therapy’s contract is $9,600 a year. After the New West donation, the district’s net annual cost is $4,600; the five‑year total net district cost is $23,000 (the five‑year total contract value for Family Physical Therapy is $48,000). The agreement includes a dedicated athletic trainer for the middle schools, weekly high‑school physician availability and a sideline physician for home varsity football games.

The board approved modest increases to student fees, citing rising food and equipment costs. Proposed changes include a $0.10 increase in breakfast and lunch prices at all levels (elementary breakfast from $1.55 to $1.65; elementary lunch from $2.40 to $2.50; middle and high school lunch increases similarly), orchestra instrument rental from $80 to $85 and band instrument rental from $145 to $150. The board also approved increasing the maximum out‑of‑pocket uniform expense for cheer and dance programs from $950 to $1,050 and raising the single‑event dance (prom) fee from $30 to $40. Administrators noted fee waivers or reductions are available via the free and reduced‑price lunch application process.

Votes at a glance - Ratify negotiated agreement with Kearney Education Association: motion moved and seconded; roll call approved (outcome: approved). - Approve classified/classified‑exempt/admin compensation (5%/5%/3%): approved on roll call. - Approve five‑year athletic training services RFP with Family Physical Therapy (06/01/2025–05/31/2030): approved on roll call. - Approve proposed student fees for 2025–26 (meal, instrument and activity fee adjustments): approved on roll call.

Board members said the district will continue to monitor state and local budgets as benefits and compensation take effect, and administrators said principals will work with families to identify fee waivers where eligible.