Staff communicators ask board for multi-part pay, step and benefits package; trustees say they will consider request

Representatives of the district’s staff communicators assembly presented a joint compensation and benefits proposal asking the Campbell County School District #1 Board of Trustees to consider a multi-part package aimed at recruitment and retention.

The proposal, delivered by representatives including Julie Raven, Krista Shelby and Jackie Colvin, requested several changes with estimated district costs attached: a market adjustment to the salary schedule (presented as $2,250,000 district-wide), an increase to certified vertical steps (approximately $1,000,000 with ongoing costs estimated at $750,000), funding for horizontal movement and certification pay (about $150,000), a $3,500 addition to the certified base and an equivalent 6.67% increase to ESP hourly pay (presented as a $7,000,000 district-wide figure with ongoing general fund cost estimated at $5,040,000), a one-time 3% stipend for staff at top step levels (presented incremental cost $70,000), and an extra paid day during Christmas break for specified ESP staff (presented cost $160,000).

The group also requested a policy change allowing conversion of one sick day (8 hours) to a convenience day for certified employees (and equivalent for ESP staff) and urged the board to explore reduced insurance premiums for married employees who both work full time for the district. The presenters asked that premium-reduction funding come from an account outside the typical SCA (staff communicators assembly) funding process.

"We are very grateful for all you do for our district, its schools, its staff, and its students," Krista Shelby said as the group opened its presentation and asked trustees to consider the package.

Board response and next steps: Superintendent Dr. Ayers (referred to in the meeting) said he will address the requests and present a proposal at the board’s next meeting (noted in the discussion as May 13). Trustees expressed appreciation for staff and indicated they will advocate for and consider the request; no formal board vote on the proposal was recorded in the supplied transcript.

Why it matters: District leaders told trustees that staffing shortages persist, particularly for education support personnel (ESP). Presenters said higher, more-competitive base pay and targeted step and stipend changes are needed to recruit and retain employees in the face of inflation and a tight labor market.

Clarifying details provided in the meeting: presenters and administrators supplied itemized cost estimates for each request (figures listed above) and identified which items are ongoing general fund costs versus one-time expenditures. The presenters also requested that specific insurance premium changes be funded from a non-SCA account.

Context: The staff communicators assembly meets with district administrators in a multi-session process (meetings were described as March 12, March 26 and April 9 in the staff briefings) to share legislative outcomes, budget updates and to develop proposals for board consideration. The board indicated it values staff input and will examine the proposal at the upcoming business meeting.

No formal action on the compensation package was taken at this meeting; the superintendent will return with recommendations to the board for a future vote.