Winslow board approves temporary pay increases to meet new state minimum-wage schedule

The Winslow School Board voted to adjust district hourly pay rates so the district complies with a state-linked minimum-wage schedule that takes effect Jan. 1. Administrators said the change requires raising education technician pay from $14.25 to $14.65 on Jan. 1 and noted a projected EdTech minimum of $18.31 by June 30 under the new formula.

Board members were told the increases are driven by state law and are largely unfunded by the state. The district’s finance presenter told the board the administration had already budgeted for the small Jan. 1 increase and had anticipated the change when negotiating some contracts, but cautioned that future midyear figures — particularly insurance rates — remain unknown and could materially affect projections: "1% for us can be $26,000," the presenter said.

Discussion focused on how the staged increases will affect a small number of employees at the bottom of pay scales and on the district’s competitiveness recruiting substitutes and EdTech staff. A board member summarized the immediate action: the vote approved the adjustments "as presented" to ensure compliance with the law.

Administrators said further line-item work will take place during the budget season to accommodate projected increases for certain steps and to examine substitute pay relative to other communities. The board will address any necessary adjustments as part of the FY26 budget process.

The board moved on after the vote; later items on the agenda included requests to fund extracurricular supports and several routine policy first reads.