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Mehlville board approves average 3.9% pay increase for classified staff after public pleas
Summary
The Mehlville R-IX Board on May 14 approved 2026-27 classified salary schedules averaging a 3.9% raise, a $845,000 district investment, after classified employees urged the board to address pay and benefit disparities at two public comments.
The Mehlville R-IX Board of Education voted unanimously on May 14 to approve the district's 2026-27 classified employee salary schedules, which the administration said average a 3.9% increase and represent an $845,000 investment across employee groups.
The vote followed public comments from classified staff who urged the board to address perceived disparities between classified and certified employees. "We are seeking equality, respect, and a voice in the policies that affect our daily lives," said Michelle Amelong, a 15-year classified employee and administrative assistant, during the meeting's public comment period.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Shannon Pike presented the salary proposal and said the district conducted a market review of comparable districts and targeted difficult-to-fill positions. "In total, classified pay schedules will receive an average of 3.9% increase, across the classified salary schedules. A total of $845,000 has been invested in classified salary schedules district wide," Pike said.
Board members acknowledged the concerns raised by staff and said they would ask policy to compare classified and certified pay. One board member noted the board's prior support for Proposition E and emphasized ongoing attention to recruitment for hard-to-fill roles such as bus drivers. The board approved the schedule on a 7-0 vote.
What this means: The approved schedules advance steps for classified employees and adjust substitute and long-term substitute rates to remain competitive, officials said. District leaders said custodial vacancies are nearly filled and recruitment efforts will continue to focus on bus drivers and other hard-to-fill roles.
The board's action was procedural: the motion to approve the 2026-27 classified employee salary schedules passed by roll call with all seven members voting in favor. The board said policy review and continued outreach to classified staff will follow.
Next steps: Administrators will implement the approved schedules for the 2026-27 academic year and policy staff will present comparative information on classified and certified compensation at a future policy committee meeting.
