Superintendent cites pay gains, supplemental pay and family leave as board adopts calendar and school times

Superintendent Doctor Lawson used the board’s Nov. 17 meeting to report progress on the district strategic plan and illustrate how compensation and benefits decisions flow from that plan.

Lawson said the district’s multi-year approach has produced roughly 12–12.5% in across-the-board raises over the last five years since creation of the strategic plan, along with supplemental payments. “Many times in the last 4 years we were able to do $1,000 dollars. This year we’re doing $500,” Lawson said, noting the district balances percentage raises with supplemental pay to remain competitive between certified and classified staff.

Several department leaders gave short remarks about morale and retention. Valerie Increase, the district’s childcare director, told the board childcare staff “appreciate the supplemental pay” (video remarks). Wes Alexander, director of transportation, said morale and attendance improved after the board’s actions. David Stokes, the district CFO, said competitive salaries are essential to recruiting and retaining staff and noted Henderson County Schools has been continuously voted a top workplace locally. Ginger Carter, the director of human resources, stressed that the salary study ensures competitiveness with neighboring districts.

The board also approved calendar items for 2026–27: four professional-development days in August (staff opening Aug. 12, students Aug. 13), fall break in October, Thanksgiving break Nov. 25–27, a two-week winter break, and makeup days Feb. 26 and March 1 that the calendar committee said could yield a four-day weekend if unused. The first reading of the 2026–27 calendar was approved. The board additionally approved school start and end times for the 2026–27 year: elementary 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., middle 7:55 a.m.–3:25 p.m., high school 8:00 a.m.–3:25 p.m., and Central Academy 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Board members thanked calendar committee participants and emphasized collaboration between community members and school staff. A trustee asked that overnight-trip requests (consent agenda items) be submitted in advance for board consideration rather than after the fact.

Next steps: Personnel and payroll adjustments related to supplemental pay and any calendar implementation tasks will be handled by HR and operations in coordination with school leaders.