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Gadsden Elementary board keeps employee health coverage at no cost and approves district‑wide raises for 2026–27
Summary
The Gadsden Elementary School District Governing Board on April 20 voted to maintain existing PPO medical, dental and vision coverage at no cost to eligible full‑time employees and approved a series of salary increases—generally 3.5% for current staff and reduced 1.75% for hires after Jan. 1, 2026—along with Proposition 301 payout increases and calendar approvals.
Gadsden Elementary School District No. 32’s Governing Board on April 20 voted to keep the district’s current health insurance plans in place at no cost to eligible full‑time employees and approved multiple salary and contract actions for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Superintendent Lizette Esparza told the board the district will continue to provide the same PPO medical, dental and vision plans at no cost to eligible full‑time employees. "Full‑time employees will continue receiving the same insurance benefits at no cost," Esparza said, adding that the district currently pays about $9,737 per eligible employee per year for U.S./Mexico coverage and $5,694 per year for the Family Mexico Plan. Esparza said the administration has contributed more than $2 million over recent years to help preserve coverage as medical costs rose.
Board President Tadeo A. De La Hoya, who said he has attended Insurance Trust meetings for about three years, noted the district continues with Blue Cross Blue Shield and reported Insurance Trust assets at $2.7 million in 2021, $1.8 million in 2025 and $2.2 million in 2026. He also said translation services are provided to keep employees informed of benefits.
On compensation, Human Resources Director Rosy Ballesteros presented a package of pay and calendar actions the board approved to remain competitive within Yuma County. The board approved:
- a 3.5% increase to the certified teacher salary schedule for current eligible employees for 2026–27, with a 1.75% increase for employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2026;
- a 3.5% increase for eligible support/classified/hourly employees on pay grades B–Q for current employees (1.75% for hires after Jan. 1, 2026);
- a 3.5% increase to salary/exempt placement schedules II–XVIII for current eligible employees (1.75% for hires on or after Jan. 1, 2026);
- targeted additional adjustments for select positions after a countywide comparison; and
- approval of the work calendar and paid holiday counts (Ballesteros said employees receive 33 paid holidays including federal holidays and three weeks of winter/spring break).
Ballesteros also presented the Proposition 301 Pay for Performance Plan required annually by the Arizona Department of Education; the board approved the plan and a recommended increase in total payout. President De La Hoya said the increase is $1,500 and asked how other districts compare; the record shows the board approved the Proposition 301 plan 5‑0.
Separately, the board approved a correction to the auditor contract start date for Heinfeld, Meech & Co., P.C., clarifying the contract begins July 1, 2025; and it approved updated employee contract templates prepared by the district attorney, including date and signature‑line changes. Most personnel and contract motions passed unanimously 5‑0; the consent agenda donations item was approved 4‑0 with Governing Board Clerk Mark Concha abstaining.
Board members thanked administration and employees for their work during the meeting. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for May 12, 2026, at the district administration offices. President De La Hoya adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
