Somerton board approves revised salary schedule and tiered wage increases

The Somerton Elementary District Board approved a revised salary schedule and a set of tiered market adjustments designed to address pay compression and to reflect a state minimum‑wage increase effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The district’s director of human resources, Espara Rodriguez, told the board the minimum wage will rise 2.4% to $14.70 on Jan. 1 and that the revised schedule also raises advertised starting wages so the district remains competitive. Rodriguez said a market comparison produced a proposed market starting point of about $17.92 per hour for some roles and recommended the board approve the updated salary schedule so HR can issue notices quickly.

Rodriguez described a targeted, tiered approach for current employees to limit pay compression: a 2% increase for employees with six months–four years of service, 4% for five–to‑nine years, 6% for 10 or more years, and a 1.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for a small group already paid well above base ranges. She said the district expects the plan to be feasible within its budget and that finance had reviewed the proposal.

Board members questioned sustainabilty, the number of employees in each tier and implementation timing; Rodriguez said HR would provide a breakdown of counts by tier and would begin issuing notices after the board’s approval.

The board voted to approve the revised salary schedule and the tiered market adjustments, with implementation and notices effective Jan. 1, 2025.

What this means: classified employees should see the approved percentage adjustments in notices HR issues after winter break; the district plans further review of licensed‑staff salaries on a different schedule. The action is part of the district’s effort to retain staff and reduce turnover tied to wage compression.