Elizabeth School District approves pay scale updates to boost preschool staff wages
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Summary
The board approved updates to classified salary schedules to raise preschool staff pay after district staff described recent turnover and certification changes; the district said the financial impact is minimal but could improve classroom stability.
The Elizabeth School District Board of Education voted Jan. 13 to approve updated classified salary schedules intended to increase pay for preschool staff.
A district staff presenter told trustees the change responds to significant turnover in preschool positions as staff left for higher-paying jobs. The update narrows a pay gap between two certified adults required in preschool classrooms under updated licensure, the presenter said, and adjusts rates so the district is more competitive with local employers.
The presenter described the change as focused on stability for young learners: “We really wanted to improve those salaries because we don't want a revolving door at our preschools,” the presenter said. The district said Justin (staff) analyzed the fiscal impact and determined it is minimal.
Board members discussed licensure changes that now require a licensed teacher in the room when someone is absent and noted that the schedule cleanup also adds positions previously omitted from the scale. After discussion, the board moved, seconded and approved the updated schedules by roll call.
The board did not identify specific dollar amounts for the overall budgetary impact during the special meeting but characterized the change as affordable and focused on retaining preschool staff.
