Lindbergh Schools human resources and finance staff presented a year-long classified market study and an early look at next fiscal year budget assumptions at the board workshop. The district said most job classifications fall within a competitive market range, but several hourly support positions were below market and will be prioritized for pay adjustments.

Classified market study

- Consultant and process: Lindbergh partnered with Educational Management Solutions (EMS) and two other districts for a third-party pay analysis. EMS reviewed job descriptions, met with supervisors and matched district positions to comparable market roles using job responsibilities rather than job titles.

- Key findings: Most job classifications were within the competitive range (defined as within 'plus or minus 5% of the market median). Positions below market by 5% or more included after-school care (Flyers Club aides, starting rate noted as $13.54 in the study), building assistants (office/library building assistants), crossing guards, early childhood support staff (assistant facilitators/facilitators/early learner leads) and part-time security. The consultant also flagged bright spots: teaching assistants and Parents as Teachers roles were above market by 5% or more.

- Methodology notes: EMS used the market median to reduce distortion from outliers, then defined the competitive band as +/-5% around that median. District staff noted the study examined positions and salary ranges, not individual incumbent salaries; a schedule can appear competitive for a long-tenured employee while remaining unattractive to a new hire at the starting step.

- Next steps for classified staff: District leaders said findings will be shared with classified staff and that adjustments for the most underpaid categories are planned. The district indicated targeted increases for some categories and said staff will receive total-compensation reports showing wages plus benefits.

Support Staff Leadership Academy and employee development

Human resources highlighted the Support Staff Leadership Academy, its first cohort of 16 participants and early placement results: some participants advanced into district roles or pursued lead positions after the program. Two participants gave brief remarks describing improved confidence, leadership skills and networking across departments.

Preliminary budget assumptions and revenue outlook

- New revenue estimate: Finance staff presented an early estimate of about $4.9 million in added revenue for the coming year tied primarily to assessed valuation growth and new construction. The presentation noted that roughly 90% of district revenue is local property tax based and that assessed valuation in the last reassessment year rose 14.81%.

- Hancock Amendment and CPI cap: Presenters reminded the board that Missouri's rules limit local growth and effectively cap levy growth; the state typically applies a CPI-based ceiling (and a statutory 5% cap applies under some circumstances), which can constrain how much local revenue the district may actually keep.

- Expenditure outlook: Wages and benefits remain the largest spending category. Negotiated agreements include a two-year agreement with a 5% average increase next year (presenters described this as step plus base adjustments). The district said it will target increases for the lowest-paid support categories identified in the market study and will continue to monitor the self-insured medical fund and other non-personnel costs.

Board communications and timing

District leaders said classified staff would receive a summary letter the day after the meeting. Officials said specific pay adjustments will be finalized in forthcoming budget work and that staff should expect to know changes before the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda as presented: Motion to approve the workshop agenda passed 7-0 (mover Andrew; second Chin). The district recorded the procedural vote at the start of the meeting.

Ending

Presenters emphasized the market study is a first step in targeted pay adjustments and that the budget presented is still conceptual; more detailed budget documents and the district's formal budget will be presented in June.