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Jamestown school board approves modest support-staff pay increase after finance committee recommendation
Summary
The Jamestown Public School Board approved a finance-committee recommendation to raise support-staff wages by roughly 3.4–3.6 percent, a change the district estimates will cost about $138,000 for the coming year; the measure passed 7–1.
The Jamestown Public School Board on May 19 approved a support-staff wage recommendation from the district finance committee intended to improve local competitiveness for non‑teaching positions.
The board voted to adopt a plan that applies a percentage increase to support‑staff pay cells and advances eligible employees a lane on the district wage schedule. The board heard the recommendation from the Finance Committee and was told the package would raise hourly rates by roughly 3.4 to 3.6 percent (an increase of about $0.53 to $0.89 per hour, depending on position) and cost the district about $138,000 for the next budget year. The motion to approve the recommendation passed on a roll call vote, 7–1.
Why it matters: board members said the district’s support staff had lagged regional peers in past pay comparisons and that targeted adjustments are intended to help retain and recruit custodians, paraeducators and other classified staff. Superintendent Dr. Luck and finance staff framed the plan as a “middle‑ground” approach that aligns with increases proposed for other employee groups and attempts not to “lose ground” on competitiveness while remaining within budget constraints.
Key details: the Finance Committee presented multiple options (flat-dollar and percentage approaches) and recommended the percentage-plus-lane option as best aligning with other negotiated increases. The district’s wage schedule determines lane placement; the committee previously adjusted lanes for certain positions last year. Board members asked for a lane‑by‑lane breakdown; Business Manager Christy Grounds said the district would upload that detail to the board drive for review.
Dissent and next steps: Board member Melissa Gleeson voted no and said she remains concerned about paraprofessional pay and filling those positions; the board directed the Finance Committee to continue monitoring and, when feasible, pursue additional equity adjustments. The administration and finance staff said letters of employment and the payroll adjustments will follow as part of the budget implementation process.
Formal action: Motion to approve the proposed support‑staff salary recommendations (mover: Jason Rohrer; seconder: Aaron Roberts). Roll call: Heidi Larson, Jason Rohrer, Jacob Meyer, Dan Tweeden, Aaron Roberts, Owen McKenna and Jamie Baer — yes; Melissa Gleeson — no. Outcome: approved. The district estimates a total recurring cost of about $138,000.
