Board debates new dean pay band; proposal fails as members warn of impact on veteran teachers

A proposal to set compensation for newly created elementary Dean of Students positions at a specified range ($50,000–$70,000) drew sharp debate at the Aug. 19 board meeting and ultimately failed.

Board Member Brian Nichols moved the compensation plan, which the administration framed as aligning pay to a non-certified administrative lane and to provide dean positions at elementary buildings after previously consolidating assistant-principal roles. Nichols said the measure was intended to offer a defined range; Superintendent Doctor Garrison and HR staff said the range reflected the intended scope of the position and the district’s financial constraints.

Board Member Amy Levy objected, saying the change could "leave the certified educator compensation matrix vulnerable" and might penalize veteran teachers with advanced degrees who could be asked to accept a lower salary to move into leadership. "I just don't think there's any guarantee that staff can look to understand how they will be compensated," Levy said. Board Member Megan Miller echoed concerns about retaining experienced educators and requested clearer comparisons showing what teachers would lose or gain by moving into dean roles.

Administration said job descriptions had been clarified in a recent committee meeting to limit dean duties — for example, that deans would not independently run buildings or conduct teacher evaluations, and that duties focus on attendance and student-centered tasks. The superintendent said the district had considered OPEB funds for some costs and that the positions were intended to maintain services without exceeding current financial constraints.

After debate and a failed attempt to amend CPI eligibility language, the motion to adopt the proposed compensation range failed on a roll-call vote.