Pilger board approves pay-step changes, second budget revision and keeps school‑readiness fees flat

The PILLAGER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT board approved a package of financial items including Schedule C pay-step adjustments for head coaches and lead directors, the district’s second budget revision for the 2025–26 year, and a motion to keep school‑readiness fees at the current rates for 2026–27.

Administration said Schedule C adds steps for head coaches and lead directors to better retain staff and align pay with comparable schools; the district estimated the maximum annual cost of all Schedule C changes at about $18,000 (administration suggested a more likely ongoing cost closer to $14,000–$15,000). The business manager presented the second budget revision, reporting revenue adjustments (including a $42,000 HRA reversion) and a projected fund balance improvement. The board approved the budget revision by motion.

On school‑readiness fees, administration proposed keeping fees steady pending a decision about VPK funding; the motion to keep fees flat for 2026–27 passed. Board members also reviewed the projection model (an Ehlers tool) showing short-term draws related to one‑time projects—most notably a planned $400,000 weight‑room project and a $200,000 reading curriculum purchase—and discussed paying down remaining athletic-complex obligations (roughly $313,000) to reduce future multi‑year liabilities.

The votes on Schedule C and the second budget revision were taken by voice vote; administration will incorporate the approved changes into next year’s budget materials and implement Schedule C changes per negotiated steps.