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Jefferson City presents preliminary 2026'17 budget and proposes largest teacher raises in district history
Summary
Staff previewed a preliminary 2026'17 budget showing projected operating revenues of $138 million, proposed teacher-pay increases averaging 7.32% (one step plus $3,350 to base), and total additional salary and benefit costs of about $6.4 million; board approved a budget amendment reflecting additional property-tax revenue and bond-refunding entries.
Staff presented a high-level preview of the Jefferson City School District's preliminary 2026'17 budget and several staffing and compensation proposals.
Presenters said they expect operating revenues of about $138 million and operating expenses of roughly $135.6 million in fiscal year 2027, and proposed a $2 million transfer for facility upkeep. The packet showed an assumed 3% property-tax increase in a non-reassessment year (growth tied to new construction), no anticipated increase to the state foundation formula, and uncertain county- and state-level impacts that could change projections.
On compensation, presenters proposed a teacher salary package totaling an additional $3.3 million to the teacher-pay line (one step plus $3,350 to base), which would move the starting teacher salary to $46,650 and correspond to an average raise of 7.32%. Therapists would receive the same one-step plus $3,350 increase; nurses would receive $2,500 to the base plus one step (about 7.5%); custodians and food-service staff were proposed to receive a $1.25 hourly increase and related step movement to raise starting hourly pay (custodians/food service) to $16.40; paraprofessionals, secretarial and clerical adjustments were also proposed. Staff estimated total salary and benefit increases of about $6.4 million for 2026'7.
Staff also proposed personnel adjustments tied to the opening of a new facility (JCAC): one assistant principal, two regular education teachers and one additional special education teacher were recommended for JCAC; six elementary teacher positions would be reduced because of enrollment trends. The presentation included placeholders for stipends ($50,000) and educational movement ($100,000) and a benefits cost increase tied to higher district contributions to the medical plan.
Separately, budget staff presented a budget amendment reflecting an additional $1.8 million in property-tax revenue split between the general fund and debt service, entries for a $169 million bond refunding, and adjustments to remove grants no longer anticipated; the board voted to approve the budget amendment by voice vote.
Board members asked about how the district's teacher-pay proposals compare regionally and statewide; presenters said statewide comparisons are typically available in an annual study and that the district likely ranks in the middle statewide but near the top in the immediate region. Presenters said more refined budget numbers will be returned to the board in April'June for final adoption in June.
