Crete Public Schools board approves compensation increases, Chromebooks and Sixpence van; consent agenda passes

Crete — The Crete Public Schools Board of Education voted on multiple district items at its February regular meeting, approving a 4.18% total package increase for classified staff, a 4.28% total package increase for administrative staff, the annual Chromebook purchase under the district technology life-cycle plan, and the purchase of a Honda Odyssey for the Sixpence program. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, claims, staff adjustments and the treasurer’s report.

The approvals followed motions by board member Greg Holman and seconds from board member Vince Grachee. The meeting record shows the board carried each vote during roll call: Mikayla Conway, Greg Holman, (Vince) Grachee, Justin Koontz and Greg Mok voted to approve the items. Scott Pening was reported absent.

Why it matters: the compensation votes set the district’s pay packages for 2025–26 and will be reflected in the budget planning the board discussed; the Chromebook purchase is part of an established device replacement cycle intended to keep student and staff equipment current; the van purchase funds transportation for the Sixpence early-childhood program.

Details of major actions

- Classified staff total package: The board approved a 4.18% total package increase for classified employees. The district finance presentation in the meeting materials stated this group’s total cost to the district is “a little over $402,000,” described in the meeting as a 4.19% group increase and roughly “90¢ more per hour for each staff member.” The motion passed on roll call with all present voting yes.

- Administrative staff total package: The board approved a 4.28% total package increase for administrative staff. Meeting remarks put the administrative total at “a little over $123,000.” The motion passed on roll call with all present voting yes.

- Chromebook purchase: The board approved the annual purchase of Chromebooks as part of the district’s technology life-cycle plan (four-year replacement for student devices, five-year for staff devices). The motion passed on roll call with all present voting yes.

- Sixpence program vehicle: The board approved purchase of a Honda Odyssey to be used for the Sixpence program. The motion passed on roll call with all present voting yes; board members discussed whether the vehicle would be branded and noted the district’s lunch van is currently red.

- Consent agenda: The consent agenda — minutes, claims, staff adjustments and the treasurer’s report as published — was approved. Board member Greg Holman stated, “Out of abundance of caution, I abstain for going to approve the following checks. 145714, 1 4 5 7 4 1, 1 4 5 7 6 1, and 145785 to avoid an actual or perceived conflict of interest. I would like to approve the balance of the consent agenda.” The consent agenda subsequently passed on roll call.

What the board discussed about funding and budget context

Finance staff described how recent and projected compensation increases fit into the district’s revenue outlook. The presentation noted certified-staff costs around $648,000, the classified-staff increase noted above, and the administrative figure; combined, those increases approach $1.1 million. Staff reviewed property tax timing and the potential budget impact of pending state-level legislation that could change the distribution of motor-vehicle tax revenue.

Where things go next

The compensation approvals will be incorporated into the district’s budget work and levy considerations. The district will proceed with the Chromebook and vehicle purchases under the approved plans.

Ending: The board set its next working meeting for Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and its next regular meeting for Monday, March 10, 2025.