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Superintendent outlines staffing, salary scenarios and health benefit options for 2026–27
Summary
At the March 24 meeting Superintendent Darren Edgar presented a draft 2026–27 staffing plan, walked the board through three salary-cost scenarios and asked for more information on health-insurance options, noting funding looks tight and final recommendations will come to the board in April.
Superintendent Darren Edgar told the North Conejos School District Re-1J Board of Education on March 24 that the district is still finalizing its 2026–27 staffing plan and will bring recommendations for approval at the April meeting. Edgar said administrators will verify required licensure, evaluate open positions and consider using attrition to reduce some classified and professional staff where necessary.
Edgar presented preliminary cost estimates for pay adjustments and steps, saying a 1% increase plus step would cost roughly $160,000, a 2% approach about $210,000 and a 3% approach about $260,000. He added that increases for administration and classified staff would add an additional estimated $50,000–$60,000. "We need to make sure we have funding for staff and raises next year," Edgar told the board, and asked members for input as he finalizes a recommendation.
On health insurance, district staff member Gale Gallegos reported she has been contacting brokers and collecting quotes. The district currently uses CEC; SLV BOCES uses BTC. An individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA) had been presented previously, and Gallegos has requested more detailed information. Edgar expressed concern about the district administering an ICHRA, noting the option relies on a single core plan while employees would add dependents on their own; he said he wants alternatives and more detail before surveying staff.
Board members asked about support-staff needs and the balance between maintaining services and controlling costs. Edgar said the administration is considering whether to absorb a service technician position and whether to add or reclassify a position at the high school, but offered no final decisions. He emphasized the district’s priority is what is best for students while being realistic about available funding.
The superintendent will return to the board in April with a formal recommendation on staffing, insurance and salary adjustments. Any final pay plan or change to benefits will require explicit board approval.
