Rainier School District board sets principal salary range and opens budget‑committee vacancies

The Rainier School District board voted to set a principal salary range of $120,000 to $135,000 per year and approved its budget‑committee calendar, also declaring five vacancies on that committee.

The salary‑range motion, moved by Mr. Freeman and seconded by Mr. Langer, passed 7–0 after a brief discussion comparing PERS‑adjusted total compensation with neighboring districts. Board members said the range is intended to keep the district competitive when hiring a new principal. The calendar motion (mover: Mr. Rice; second: Mr. Leinger) likewise passed unanimously and the board formally declared five budget‑committee vacancies to begin soliciting applications.

Why it matters: the salary range establishes the compensation framework that will guide recruitment for a key district leadership post; the budget calendar and newly declared vacancies start a public recruitment and oversight timeline that affects how the district will plan and review next year’s budget.

Board members provided procedural context during the motions but did not amend the proposed range. The meeting record shows Mr. Freeman moved the salary motion and Mr. Langer seconded; the chair called the vote, which was recorded as 7–0 in favor. The board then moved into executive session to conduct labor negotiations and consult counsel on litigation matters as allowed under state law.

The board listed future agenda items including renewals/nonrenewals, the 2026–27 district calendar, the audit report and the local service plan. The board’s next regular meeting was scheduled for Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.