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District 70 board adopts $106 million budget and approves 8% pay increases in negotiated MOU
Summary
Pueblo County School District 70 trustees adopted the district’s proposed FY2027 budget and approved a negotiated compensation memorandum of understanding that raises the certified base salary and grants an 8% schedule increase across employee groups, citing recruitment and retention goals.
The Pueblo County School District 70 Board of Education voted to adopt the district’s proposed fiscal-year 2027 budget and approved a tentative memorandum of understanding with the Pueblo County Education Association that raises the certified base salary and grants an 8% increase on multiple salary schedules.
The board adopted the budget after a presentation by district finance staff that described a general fund near $106 million, a statewide per-pupil revenue increase of $490, and revenue growth of roughly $3.24 million offset by $3.14 million in expense increases. Jamie, a district finance staff member who presented the packet, told trustees revenues were largely driven by state equalization and cited local property tax and specific ownership tax figures used in the draft budget.
The compensation MOU the board approved raises the certified base salary from $43,350 to $47,000, standardizes step increases at $1,500, consolidates lanes from 10 to 8, and applies an 8% increase for Article 15 and administrative salary schedules. The agreement also raises the base hourly rate for education support professionals from about $15.70 to $16.95, increases preschool director pay, and pauses the mandatory five-year library technician certification requirement while the district reviews position expectations. The district characterized the package as aimed at improving recruitment and retention.
Supporters framed the package as a step toward competitiveness and a way to increase long-term retirement security. "The certified base moves from $43,350 to $47,000, which is an 8% increase to the base," teacher and public commenter Devona McDonald said during open forum, urging board approval. Kirby Martinez, an education support professional and bargaining-team member, praised inclusion of ESP contract days and recommended continued review of ESP compensation next year.
Trustees debated the package in public meeting presentations and questions but recorded unanimous recorded votes on the two final action items. Roll-call votes recorded in the transcript show trustees AJ Wilson, Anne Bennett, Mark Emery, Michelle Erickson and Susie Carnes voting "Yes" to adopt the budget and again voting "Yes" to approve the MOU. The board chair announced both motions carried.
The budget presentation highlighted that salaries and benefits represent the largest object category—about $86 million—and noted conservative assumptions about future state allocations. District staff said they added line items for technology refreshes and athletics facility work and that the proposed budget incorporates planned raises and steps negotiated in the MOU.
What happens next: The budget is adopted for FY2027 and the MOU takes effect per the agreement language in the packet; staff will follow up through implementation steps described in the presentation, including updates to salary schedules and payroll processing.
