Board approves raises for classroom‑funded, hourly and admin staff
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Summary
The board approved a 3% raise for Classroom Site Fund‑eligible staff (motion recorded; transcript does not show a numeric tally), a 4% raise for non‑CSF hourly staff (passed 3–2), and a 3% raise for non‑CSF exempt administrative staff (passed 3–2).
The Higley Unified School District board took multiple votes on employee compensation for FY2026–27 after selecting a budget reduction option.
District leadership recommended separating the compensation conversation from the reduction options. Superintendent Mr. Lautzenheiser and CFO Sharon Reschcamp explained a proposal to use the Classroom Site Fund (CSF) — a separate carry‑forward bucket of roughly $15 million — to fund raises for CSF‑eligible employees (primarily teachers). Administration proposed a 3% increase for CSF‑eligible employees so that low‑paid staff affected by upcoming minimum wage changes would not fall below legal thresholds.
A motion for a 3% increase for CSF‑eligible staff was moved and seconded; the transcript records the motion but does not display a numeric tally in the public record provided. The board then considered non‑CSF staff: members approved a 4% increase for non‑CSF hourly staff (a 3‑yes, 2‑no recorded vote) to address minimum wage adjustments and competitiveness, and approved a 3% increase for non‑CSF exempt (administrative/salary) staff on a 3‑yes, 2‑no vote. Board members said they favored paying classroom‑facing positions from CSF dollars to preserve M&O resources for longer‑term needs.
Board members asked staff to quantify the exact dollar impact to bring 70+ employees to compliance with minimum wage increases and requested continued oversight of the interplay between raises and the chosen reduction option. The administration noted CSF is a restricted bucket and will be used in line with state eligibility rules.
Next steps include staff calculation of exact dollar impacts, precise pay‑table adjustments, and posting follow‑up materials before the next budget review.