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 administrative certification requirements); and a communications and strategic engagement director position. The board also approved the 2025-26 salary and benefits handbook, step-level and educational movement for eligible employees, and the district's certified staff salary schedules for 2025-26.

The board voted to contract Mueller, Obergefell & Jones to perform the district audit for fiscal year 2025 and approved a payable to Jefferson College (the vote on the Jefferson College payable recorded one abstention). Additional approvals included the district's science curriculum and associated instructional-resource purchases, a program evaluation for technology, and a technology-department assessment.

Board members heard monthly reports during the meeting: the superintendent reviewed graduation and legislative changes affecting district policy, the business officer provided a multi-year budget lookback and noted a large prepayment on debt service, and the technology director reviewed device counts, server configuration and security posture. The board also received a foundation and grants report and updates about the Bridle Ridge agricultural/greenhouse program.

Votes at a glance - Approval of tonight's agenda: approved (motion carried). - Approval of consent agenda: approved (motion carried). - Revised FY24-25 budget: approved (motion carried). - Addendum to certified-staff MOU (raise base increase from $1,200 to $1,700): approved (motion carried). - Approval of technology specialist (instructional technology & AI) position: approved (motion carried). - Approval of instructional teacher / dean of student conduct (intermediate school) position (pilot stipend position): approved (motion carried). - Approval of science curriculum and science resource purchase: approved (motions carried). - Approval of communications & strategic engagement director position: approved (motion carried). - Approval of program evaluation for technology and assessment of technology department: approved (motions carried). - Approval of minutes (April 22): approved (motion carried). - Bill payable to Jefferson College: approved (motion carried; 1 abstention). - Contract with Mueller, Obergefell & Jones for FY2025 audit: approved (motion carried). - Approval of 2025-26 salary & benefits handbook: approved (motion carried). - Approval of step/level and education movement for eligible employees: approved (motion carried). - Approval of 2025-26 Board of Education meeting calendar: approved (motion carried). - Committee assignments with amendment (added an additional seat to the Hawk Award committee): approved (motion carried). - Adjournment: approved (motion carried).

Why this matters: The budget and MOU addendum commit the district to higher near-term personnel costs that the administration said will be funded through a combination of increased state aid assumptions, one-time resources and planned spend-down of reserves. The new positions and technology investments are presented as investments in instructional support and communications as the district implements several state-driven policy changes.

What the board said and asked: Superintendent Dr. Isaacson summarized the budget, noting an assessed valuation increase and the effect of the Hancock/CPI limit on revenue calculations; he also described a large prepayment to reduce outstanding debt. Board members asked clarifying questions about the scope and pilot design of the intermediate-school dean-of-student-conduct stipend (administrative certification required, classroom-focused duties, planned mentoring, and flexible expectations to avoid overburdening the teacher). The technology director outlined device counts and backups and said a network refresh and server replacement are scheduled in coming summers.

Next steps and context: The administration said it will finalize the FY25-26 budget in early June and return with details at the district work session and the June regular meeting. The board-approved MOU addendum and salary schedules will be implemented for the coming school year and staff placements for approved positions will be filled according to district hiring processes.