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Scott County educator group urges $3/$4 raises as board finalizes 2026–27 plan
Summary
Mike Davis, representing nearly 550 members of Scott County Education, told the school board the district should adopt a $3 hourly raise for classified staff and a 4% raise for certified teachers to address pay competitiveness and retention concerns. The board heard the request during public comment but took no immediate action.
Mike Davis, speaking "on behalf of Scott County Education" and describing the group as nearly 550 members, urged the Scott County Board of Education to adopt pay increases for district employees as the board finalizes the 2026–27 plan. "I'm continuously asking for a $3 across-the-board raise for our classified employees and a 4% raise for our certified employees," Davis said during the public-comment portion of the meeting.
Davis framed the request as an urgent workforce and equity issue, citing statewide comparisons repeatedly in his remarks: he said Kentucky ranks 42nd in teacher pay and 49th in classified pay and that, when adjusted for inflation, Kentucky teachers earn significantly less than in the mid-2000s. "When adjusted for inflation, Kentucky teachers are making nearly 20% less than they did in 2008," he said, and described the effect on employees who struggle to afford housing, health care and everyday expenses.
Davis emphasized the operational impact of losing classified staff — bus drivers, custodians, instructional aides and cafeteria workers — and told the board that increasing starting pay would help retain essential personnel and stabilize day-to-day operations. He also framed the 4% request for certified staff as a necessary step to retain and recruit teachers in a competitive region.
Board members acknowledged Davis's comments and thanked him for the testimony. The public comment did not include a formal motion; later agenda items included routine approvals and budget-related motions, but no board action at the meeting adopted the specific raises Davis requested.
What happens next: Davis said he had already shared his proposal with board members by email. The board is working through budget and staffing items in its consent and business agenda; any change to pay scales would require a formal action in a future meeting and be reflected in the budget process.
