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BLUE SPRINGS R-IV board approves 2025–26 salary adjustments, hires two administrators
Summary
At the January meeting, the BLUE SPRINGS R-IV Board of Education approved salary schedule changes recommended by the district blueprint committee and voted unanimously to appoint Tom Alderman as director of secondary education and Dr. Wendell Fuemauno as principal of Blue Springs High School.
The BLUE SPRINGS R-IV Board of Education at its January meeting approved salary schedule changes for the 2025–26 school year and unanimously voted to hire two administrators for Blue Springs High School and the district office.
District Superintendent Dr. Jerome presented the salary recommendations developed by the district’s Blueprint Committee and said the package included a flat increase to certified salary cells and a corresponding classified adjustment. “It is a recommended additional, $1500 on certified, cells, each cell to receive that and a corresponding classified move of 3.57%,” Dr. Jerome said.
The board approved the salary proposals by voice/hand vote with seven members in favor. The board’s action follows several months of work by the Blueprint Committee, which Dr. Jerome and board members praised for researching market adjustments and retention strategies. Board members emphasized that salary is an important tool to recruit and retain staff while acknowledging it is not the only factor in employee retention.
The board also approved two administrative hires. After the superintendent recommended him, the board appointed Tom Alderman to the district-level post of director of secondary education. The superintendent said Alderman brings 32 years of educational experience, including 17 years at Blue Springs High School and seven as lead principal there. The motion to hire Alderman was made by board member Miss Cohen and seconded by Mr. Swanson; the vote was unanimous.
The board then approved the appointment of Dr. Wendell Fuemauno as the next principal of Blue Springs High School. The superintendent described Fuemauno as having 23 years of educational experience, with the last 16 at Blue Springs High School and seven as associate principal; the appointment was seconded and approved unanimously.
Votes at a glance
- Adopt 2025–26 salary proposals (motion made following district blueprint recommendations): mover — Mr. Swanson; second — Mr. Sims; tally — 7 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved. Notes: package includes $1,500 per certified salary cell increase and a 3.57% move on the classified schedule; some out-of-market classified job categories received larger increases. Effective for the 2025–26 school year as presented.
- Hire Tom Alderman as director of secondary education: mover — Miss Cohen; second — Mr. Swanson; tally — unanimous. Outcome: approved.
- Hire Dr. Wendell Fuemauno as principal, Blue Springs High School: mover — Mrs. Gilstrap; second — Mr. Sims; tally — unanimous. Outcome: approved.
Board members framed the approvals as steps to remain competitive and to support staff. Several board members publicly thanked members of the Blueprint Committee for their time and research. The superintendent said the board’s actions align with the district strategic plan.
