DC Everest board approves 2.78% pay increase for staff; administration to pursue further steps as budget is finalized

The D C Everest Area School District board approved across-the-board wage adjustments for teachers, hourly staff and administrators on motions passed during the meeting.

Administration recommended a 2.78% base-wage increase for three employee groups for the 2026–27 school year. Kelly, speaking for district finance staff, said the proposals were driven by the consumer price index, rising benefit costs and a desire to remain competitive for hiring and retention. For teachers, the package included specific salary-schedule edits: elimination of certain steps, renaming of top steps (9A and 9B) and a temporary reduction of a Level 5 professional-development requirement from 90 hours to 45 hours to accommodate step changes for 2026–27 only.

Board members moved and approved the teacher wage package by voice vote. The board also approved the hourly staff adjustment — current employees would receive the 2.78% increase or be placed at a new, higher starting wage where applicable — and approved a matching 2.78% increase for administrators and salaried staff; the administrators’ vote recorded one abstention.

Superintendent Dr. N and finance director Kelly told the board that salary and benefit estimates remain subject to revision as health-insurance renewal rates and other expense items are finalized. Kelly said the district is planning a preliminary budget in June and may recommend one-time stipends for one or more employee groups if final revenue and expense projections allow.

Votes at a glance - Teachers: motion to approve a 2.787% base wage increase and corresponding salary-schedule revisions — approved by voice vote. (Discussion led by Kelly and administration.) - Hourly/support staff: motion to approve wage adjustments (2.78% or new starting wage) — approved by voice vote. - Administrators and salaried staff: motion to approve 2.78% increase — approved by voice vote with one abstention.

Why it matters District staff said salaries and benefits make up roughly two-thirds of the district budget, so small percentage changes have substantial budgetary impact. Administration emphasized the need to refine estimates over the coming weeks, and said decisions about one-time stipends would depend on updated health-insurance and other expense figures.

What’s next Administration will return with budget numbers in June and present a fuller compensation package when assumptions are firmer. The board approved the wage adjustments as the district continues work on the preliminary budget.