Prescott board approves 2026''27 pay package: 3% raise, master's bump and longevity stipend

The Prescott School District board voted April 14 to approve a staff compensation package for the 2026''27 school year that includes a 3% across-the-board increase for certified staff, an additional adjustment focused on the master's lane (modeled as a 3.63% effective increment) and a $1,000 annual longevity stipend beginning in an employee's 11th year of continuous service.

Administration presented financial modeling showing medical-cost and enrollment assumptions and projected the district's fund balance into 2028''29 under several scenarios. Superintendent and finance staff said the model assumes a continuing decline in enrollment and conservatively projects a 14.26% fund balance in 2028''29 under the chosen package; trustees described the projection as "comfortably uncomfortable" and said they will monitor budget and staffing trends.

Board members and staff discussed details of the implementation: increases to starting salaries (an added 1.5% for the bachelor's lane and 2% for the master's lane), how step increases are applied using the existing salary schedule, and the logistics of delivering the $1,000 longevity payment. Administration said the stipend will be budgeted as an annual expense and clarified it applies after 10 years with the Prescott School District, not merely in education generally.

Trustees raised long-term risks tied to declining enrollment and potential cost pressures (fuel and medical insurance were cited as volatile inputs). Administration said the district built conservative assumptions into the BarOn model and plans to continue reviewing staffing levels and salary-schedule inequities before making larger structural changes.

The board approved the motion after discussion and a recorded vote; the motion carried.