Board approves 4% cost-of-living raise for nonunion and SEIU staff; board debates capped salary impacts

The Waukegan Public Schools Board of Education approved a 4% cost-of-living increase for nonunion staff and SEIU employees effective July 1, 2025, with the administration estimating a total fiscal impact of approximately $1.28 million for fiscal year 2026.

The administration presented the recommendation during the personnel and budget portion of the meeting, stating the nonunion increase would cost about $949,914 and SEIU increases about $331,823 for a total of $1,281,736. “People that are capped will still receive 4%, but it will be a bit off their base salary,” a district staff member explained when board members asked how the raises would apply to employees already at the salary-band maximum. The district said employees at the band ceiling will receive the 4% as a payment based on base pay but, if already at the maximum, the increase will not compound on the base salary.

Board members pressed for clarity on effects to pensions and long-term compensation. Miss Hannah said she opposed the approach because it can limit future pension growth for staff while allowing upper administrators to receive increases under a different schedule. Miss Lindsey and others asked how many employees were at or near caps; the administration said personnel records in executive content noted 22 individuals under review and that the list may grow over time as raises push more employees to salary ceilings. District leaders said they expect to review pay bands every three to four years.

After discussion the motion passed on a roll-call vote. No further changes to policy or band structures were adopted at the meeting; board members requested follow-up material on how many employees are affected and how the district will schedule future band reviews.