Pittsville board approves 2.63% wage increases, signs off on student college credits, calendars and transportation reimbursements
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The Pittsville School District board approved a 2.63% wage increase for support and administrative staff for 2026–27, approved seven Start College Now student applications and district calendars, and cleared private-school transportation reimbursements and other routine items.
The Pittsville School District board on March 10 approved a series of routine but consequential items, including a 2.63% pay increase for both support and administrative staff for the 2026–27 school year, several student college-credit applications, the district calendars for 2026–27 and 2027–28 and private-school transportation reimbursements under state law.
Board discussion began with a detailed update on the district-run childcare center. A staff presenter described a recent student taste test for the ‘Whipping Up Wellness’ cooking program and said the center is participating in a state pilot that pays an extra $100 per eligible child per month for increased staff-to-child ratios. The presenter also reported recent enrollments and capacity constraints in infant and 1-year-old rooms and said the center is pursuing curriculum and assessment work to raise its YoungStar rating from its current three-star level. “We have a 3 star rating for YoungStar,” the childcare lead said, adding the program is piloting curriculum and exploring NAEYC accreditation to reach a five-star standard.
The board then reviewed compensation projections and moved to approve pay adjustments tied to a 2.63% CPI figure. A motion to approve the cumulative 2.63% wage increase for all support staff, made by a board member and seconded by another board member, passed on a voice vote. The board subsequently approved a separate motion to grant the same 2.63% increase for administrative staff for the 2026–27 school year.
Members also approved seven Start College Now student applications for spring/summer 2026 and one Early College Credit Program (ECCP) application. Board discussion clarified that the district typically pays up to 18 college credits for these programs and that families may pay additional fees depending on program structure.
After approving the academic calendars (both begin Sept. 1; student last day the Thursday before Memorial Day), the board approved the Life Choices volunteer program’s request to allow a certified therapy dog on campus under existing policy 383.1.
On transportation, the board approved parent reimbursement requests for private-school transportation under Wisconsin Statute 121.54 and asked staff to determine the most cost-effective delivery method (district van, bus route adjustment, or mileage reimbursement). A motion to approve Dental of Wisconsin as the district dental provider for 2026 was also presented; staff said final insurance percentage allocations would be clarified when health-insurance numbers are available.
In a broader budget discussion, district staff summarized ongoing state-level negotiations about property-tax relief and options to address school funding shortfalls. Staff warned that a refundable tax credit to homeowners could lower property taxes without increasing school general aid and that special-education reimbursement shortfalls could still require levy increases. “It would be better if they put it on general aid,” a board member said, urging state support that would reach all districts.
The board reviewed a list of future agenda items — including contract renewals, summer-school approvals and benefit negotiations — and adjourned the meeting.
