Board debates pay scale for new technology director role; staff to return with options
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Summary
Board heard lengthy discussion about whether the district should classify the technology director role as certified (licensed) or classified, and whether to use stipends, supplements, or a new directors pay matrix; staff will return with proposals.
The Dixon County Board of Education spent extended time on Aug. 28 debating the classification and pay structure for a proposed director of technology position, with members and staff disagreeing about whether the role should be placed on the certified (licensed) pay scale or remain classified.
Human-resources staff presented a revised job description and requested the board consider moving the role from classified grade 55 to a salary grade that would allow either classified or certified candidates to apply. Board members raised concerns that placing the position on the certified pay scale would require a teaching license (or similar certification) and could exclude experienced technology candidates without a teaching license while also complicating pay equity.
"We can't necessarily get this person for this money," one board member said, arguing the district needs flexibility to hire experienced technology professionals. Another member suggested a stipend or supplement as an interim tool, while other board members urged a longer-term review of central-office/director pay scales to attract and retain qualified leaders across departments.
Staff and board agreed to return with concrete options, including a possible supplement/stipend, stricter certification definitions (for example, a technology certification), or the development of a central-office/directors pay matrix. No formal vote to change the job's salary grade occurred that evening; staff said they would revisit the pay scale and present alternatives at a future meeting.