Board approves targeted pay increases for transportation mechanics to curb turnover
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Summary
The board authorized a targeted salary-scale adjustment for transportation mechanics and reclassified the transportation technician supervisor to level 72 (range roughly $49,545–$66,788), funded by state O-56 transportation funds, to address persistent technician turnover and reduce expensive contracting-out.
The Moore County Schools Board voted Feb. 9 to raise pay for transportation mechanics and to reclassify the transportation technician supervisor to a higher pay level, citing 25 mechanic resignations over five years and frequent use of costly contract mechanics.
Staff presented a market comparison showing the district's current mechanic pay (about $16.50–$24.88 hourly) trailing neighboring employers and proposed a new range that begins roughly $18.46 per hour with a top of about $30.88 to better align with regional market rates. The supervisor position would move to a level 72 pay band (approx. $49,545–$66,788). Miss Purvis and Mr. Nelson told the board the increases can be funded under state O-56 transportation allocations and would not require additional local general-fund money.
Board members pressed for follow-up reporting on hiring outcomes and any savings from reduced contractor usage; staff agreed to return with a status update showing whether the change improves recruitment and reduces outside repair costs. Supporters framed the change as a safety and reliability investment; some members emphasized the need to coordinate longer-term workforce development (CTE pipelines) as a sustainable solution.