Trussville City Schools' Board of Education on Monday agreed to place the district's proposed 2025-26 salary schedule on the table for 30 days after administrators described a multi-district compensation review intended to keep the district competitive.

The board's action begins a 30-day period in which trustees and staff will continue reviewing proposed changes that add steps for some support positions and align teacher pay structures with regional practice. The board voted to place the schedule on the table by voice vote; President Steve Ward called for the aye votes and the motion carried.

Superintendent Dr. Martin and finance staff described the background of the update. The district contracted with a compensation consultant (Lane Prop) to compare Trussville's pay to neighboring districts and recommend adjustments, the presentation said. Administrators told the board the goals were to become more competitive, add steps for support staff where needed and remain within financial constraints. Mr. Kirkland said the recommended schedule meets those goals and noted compensation work began more than two years ago.

Board members and staff framed the change as a retention and recruitment measure. “We have phenomenal teachers. We want to keep them,” Mr. Kirkland said during the presentation. He told members that neighboring districts were making similar adjustments and that pay schedules must be revisited periodically.

The board did not adopt the schedule tonight; placing it on the table starts the formal review window before a final vote. The district's financial report presented earlier in the meeting showed year-to-date expenditures and revenues the board can use to assess fiscal impact during the 30-day review.

If adopted after the review period, the new schedule would apply to the 2025-26 school year. The board indicated it expects further budget and implementation details when the item returns for final approval.