Finance director: state budget stalemate leaves raises uncertain; local supplements paid

Finance director Suzanne Rampey updated the board on the district's fiscal position, the annual audit and employee supplements.

Rampey said auditors are on-site despite a delayed federal OMB compliance-supplement deadline (extended to Dec. 31). She confirmed that local salary supplements were paid in October: a $500 flat supplement for non-certified staff and graduated supplements for certified staff that range from 3.5% (0—9 years) to 4% (10—20 years) to 5% (21+ years). The superintendent and board noted the supplements were designed to reward longevity and help retain veteran teachers.

Rampey told the board that the state still lacks a final budget, and that differences between the House and Senate on personal income-tax rates are holding up decisions that affect district allocations. "Until they get that worked out... we do not have increases for staff," she said. She also highlighted that state health-insurance premiums are rising and will reduce December paychecks for employees if state funding does not offset the increases: examples in the packet showed monthly premium increases between $10 and $54 depending on coverage and salary bands.

Board members asked about retroactivity and timeline; Rampey said the state often makes raises effective retroactively but the district will not know specifics until the budget is finalized. She also reviewed federal-grant-year timing and cautioned the board that federal funds for school food service have been allocated month to month amid broader federal appropriations uncertainty.

The board did not take a vote on these items; Rampey said staff will continue to monitor budget actions and report back.