HILLSBORO R-III board approves revised FY24-25 budget, increases teacher pay and OKs multiple staff positions

The HILLSBORO R-III Board of Education on an evening vote approved a revised fiscal year 2024-25 budget, a larger-than-planned increase to the certified-staff memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a package of staffing and contract actions the district said are aimed at supporting teachers, technology and communications.

Superintendent Dr. Isaacson told the board the revised budget reflects a roughly $1 million revenue gain driven largely by state formula funding projections and other adjustments, while the district has seen year-to-date revenue shortfalls in several categories. The board then voted to approve the revised FY24-25 budget as presented.

The board also approved an addendum to the certified-staff MOU that raises the previously agreed base salary increase from $1,200 to $1,700 for the coming year. Board members discussed that the change adds roughly $1.5 million in salary costs overall and that the administration plans to fund part of the increase through anticipated revenue and use of reserves.

In addition to the budget and pay changes, the board approved proposed new or revised positions: a technology specialist for instructional technology and AI integration; an instructional teacher/dean of student conduct position for the intermediate school (a stipend pilot position described as approximately $6,000 and limited to certified teachers who meet DESE…