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Ozark R‑VI adopts 2026–27 salary schedules and preliminary budget amid state funding concerns
Summary
The Ozark R‑VI School Board approved a 2026–27 salary schedule that adds a $1,400 base increase plus a $1,000 bonus for teachers with master’s degrees, and adopted a preliminary FY27 budget showing higher expenditures driven by raises and a projected state funding decline; board members flagged reserve targets and potential future levy conversations.
The Ozark R‑VI School Board approved wage and budget measures that district officials said aim to retain staff while preparing for expected declines in state revenue.
Administrators presented a proposed $1,400 increase to base pay across teacher salary lanes, described as roughly a 3.2% general increase after step calculations, plus an additional $1,000 for teachers with master’s degrees and beyond to improve competitiveness with peer districts. Officials said the combined adjustments would raise the district’s base teacher pay from about $43,400 in FY26 to approximately $44,800 under the FY27 proposal and that certain step/degree combinations could see increases in the range of 5% or more. The salary schedule was approved unanimously.
The board also approved a preliminary FY27 budget presented by the district CFO. The presentation showed total district spending approaching $92 million, with operating expenditures rising by approximately $2.8 million mainly due to salary and benefit increases and declining state revenue. Administrators noted a one‑time energy credit in the prior year that had temporarily increased revenue and said budgeted state adequacy (SAT) assumptions varied among peer districts; the district budgeted an SAT figure of 6,775 for next year. The CFO reiterated the board’s reserve target of 20–30% of operating funds and projected a reserve around 22–23% at next fiscal‑year end under current assumptions.
Board members asked about options if state funding shortfalls continue, including further attrition, unfilled positions and possible future conversations about the tax levy. The board approved the preliminary budget and the salary schedules as presented; both votes were unanimous.
