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Boone County approves pay increases and new annuity program in 2025-26 teacher contract
Summary
The Boone County Board of Education approved a negotiated salary agreement with the Boone County Education Association that raises beginning teacher pay above $50,500, guarantees classified staff at least a $1-an-hour increase, and establishes an annuity program including a 1% employer match.
The Boone County Board of Education on March 17 approved a tentative salary agreement with the Boone County Education Association that raises starting teacher pay to more than $50,500, guarantees at least a $1-per-hour raise for classified staff, and implements a new annuity program that includes a 1% employer match.
Superintendent Dr. Jesse Hauswald recommended board approval and thanked bargaining participants, saying the package addresses long-standing recruitment and retention challenges. "Our beginning teacher salaries next year will be at more than $50,500," Hauswald said during the meeting, and he described the agreement as a first step toward improving pay across certified and classified staff.
The agreement grew from comparative wage data the district and bargaining representatives shared in recent weeks and from input gathered through the district's strategic planning process, officials said. Eric Ball, director of human resources, told the board the package responds to stakeholder concerns about attracting entry-level employees and building longer-term retirement capacity.
Kelly Reed, representing the teachers' bargaining unit, and negotiators including Charlie Bufano were thanked by district leaders for participating in the talks. Board members who served on the negotiations committee also were recognized during the presentation.
Board Chair Parks called the agreement "a fair benefit for everybody," and the board voted to approve the contract as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a 4-0 vote.
What the agreement includes: the district will advertise the new compensation at upcoming career and job fairs, increase beginning teacher pay to more than $50,500 for the 2025-26 school year, ensure a minimum $1-per-hour pay increase for classified employees, and begin an annuity program with incentives and a 1% employer match to build retirement savings.
The district and union leaders said the agreement is intended to improve hiring success at entry-level positions such as custodial and cafeteria roles, reduce turnover, and strengthen retention and induction supports for early-career teachers. No implementation timeline beyond the 2025-26 effective year was specified during the meeting.
The board approved the measure by voice vote; no individual aye/nay names were recorded in the public motion.
