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Bolivar R‑I board approves FY26 budget, plans pay increases to meet new state wage rules
Summary
The Bolivar R‑I Board approved a nearly $39 million FY26 budget and a salary plan that raises base pay for certain schedules to meet recent state minimum‑wage requirements, projecting an added $554,000 in salary costs and roughly $650,000–$700,000 after benefits.
The Bolivar R‑I Board of Education on Tuesday approved a fiscal year 2026 budget that projects just under $39 million in revenue and increases to payroll to comply with new state wage requirements.
Chelsea Aberdand, district finance staff, told the board the district is budgeting local revenue, Prop C receipts and state formula dollars while remaining conservative amid pending state changes to assessed valuation. She said projected revenues could rise if the state assessment (SAT) and local assessed valuation exceed current conservative estimates.
Aberdand said the district must move several classified schedules to a $15 hourly base because of recent legislation she identified as House Bill 567, and noted interim steps required by the state (an increase to $13.75 by Aug. 1, with $15 by Jan. 1). She said four classifications — childcare, food service, custodial and secretarial schedules — currently fall below the new minimum and will receive a 65¢–$1.35 increase plus a hold on step movement for the coming year. Certified staff would receive a $250 base increase plus step adjustments; paraprofessionals and instructional aides already meet the $15 base and would see a 10¢ base increase plus steps.
The salary changes, Aberdand said, amount to roughly $554,000 in additional salary costs and, after benefits, an estimated $650,000–$700,000 increase. The board approved the FY26 budget by voice vote.
Board members asked for clarifications about the district’s year‑to‑date figures and a planned fund 4 transfer; Aberdand said final audited numbers in July will allow the district to finalize the recommended transfer and close out June actuals. She also described a plan to keep bond monies separate in fund 5 and to move them into fund 4 for reporting during the ASBR process.
The board approved several companion measures tied to the budget at the meeting, including certified and classified schedules and extra duty assignments.
