Board approves FY25 hourly support-staff wage schedule to fill payroll vacancies

The Liberty Elementary District governing board voted unanimously to approve changes to the FY25 hourly support-staff wage schedule, effective March 27, 2025. The change aims to make certain business-services and payroll positions more competitive and to reduce the district's reliance on outside contractors.

Crystal Mosher, who presented the item, said the revisions are intended to address openings in the business services department and payroll, positions the district has struggled to fill. "We've done the work to move those positions to a higher level," Mosher said, adding the district hopes to avoid continued use of higher-cost consultants.

Why it matters: payroll and business-services continuity affects timely pay for staff and day-to-day district operations. Mosher said the proposal moves one position to a part-time role (seven hours per day, four days per week) and adjusts pay levels for vacant positions to attract candidates.

Board discussion and financial implications

Board members praised the move as a way to retain work in-house and reduce contractor spending. Chris Kenyon said the change "is actually going to save the district some money, and getting away from contract stuff" and called payroll a critical service.

Mosher told the board the proposal also saves money by reducing hours for one role and eliminating a consultant; she did not include consultant savings in the written comparison but said overall costs would be lower despite pay increases for some positions.

Outcome

A motion to approve the FY25 hourly support staff wage schedule, effective 03/27/2025, passed 4-0. The district will proceed with recruiting and filling the reclassified positions.