Cartwright board approves expanded pay-for-performance plan and salary schedule increases

The Cartwright Elementary District governing board approved a multi-component pay-for-performance plan for 2026–27 and set increased salary-schedule adjustments for classroom staff.

Deputy presenters explained the plan’s components: an assessment-based award (up to $1,500), an evaluation-based award (proposed increase to $1,500), professional-development compensation through clock hours or endorsements (up to $1,100), national-board certification incentives (up to $3,000 split over two payments), and a one-time instructional-improvement stipend of $400. Eligibility rules and payout timing were specified: assessment payments in December 2026, evaluation payments after spring observations for June 2026 payout, and professional-development/endorsement payments on a later schedule. An appeals process was described for contested payments.

District staff also proposed salary-schedule changes that include an $800 step raise and a $1,300 increase to each cell of the certified salary schedule (a combined increase equating to about $2,100 before other adjustments) and a larger $5,000-per-cell increase for related-service providers to address market competitiveness. The board voted to adopt the plan and the salary schedules after Q&A about budget impacts; staff said classroom-site funds and projected carryover support the payouts and that the district expects a modest surplus but will monitor the aggregate expenditure limit and FY2028 uncertainties.

Board members asked for examples of total compensation for a hypothetical teacher and information on benefits; staff provided a sample calculation showing the potential effect of full pay-for-performance and salary changes on a 10-year teacher’s compensation and clarified employer-paid benefits and retirement matches.

The board approved the pay-for-performance award plan and associated salary-schedule changes by roll-call vote.