Oracle Elementary School District No. 2 board approves proposed FY 2026–27 budget presentation, 4% wage increase and personnel measures

The Governing Board of Oracle Elementary School District No. 2 on June 15 approved the district’s proposed expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026–27 for public posting and scheduled a public hearing on July 13 prior to final adoption. Superintendent Nehrmeyer told the board the proposal builds on steady student enrollment and includes an estimated 2% increase in maintenance and operations funding from the Arizona Legislature.

Board members also voted unanimously to adopt several personnel and administrative measures incorporated into that budget. The board approved a 4% wage increase effective July 1, 2026, for hourly and salaried employees who have been employed at least six months and one day; an updated Classified Hiring Schedule to align with Arizona minimum wage changes; and the ratification of the substitute Arizona CDL bus driver pay rate used during 2025–26 for as‑needed contracts in 2026–27.

The board approved hiring two certified Mt. Vista K–8 teachers under the ESI Retire‑Rehire program for the 2026–27 school year, with the district planning to return those teachers to direct employment after one year. Members also approved job descriptions for a Transportation Director, School Office Manager, Medical Assistant and School Office Clerk.

Superintendent Nehrmeyer reported that 23 of 23 eligible certified teachers met the Board‑approved Classroom Site Fund Plan performance goals for 2025–26; the board approved performance pay for those teachers. The board also approved performance pay for the superintendent after noting that 50% of the superintendent’s performance goals were met, which were based on AASA test scores and student attendance data.

The consent agenda, approved earlier in the meeting, included approval of minutes, payroll and expenditure vouchers (payroll vouchers listed amounts including V57 $52,535.87 and V61 $132,790.98; expenditure vouchers included 2637 $80,614.76 and 2638 $75,767.69), an updated school calendar reflecting an earlier last day of school for 2025–26 due to an unforeseen road closure, audit engagement letters, benefits renewals, procurement revisions for Hye Tech network infrastructure, service‑provider agreements for therapists and school psychologists, National School Lunch Program corrective action items, gifts and donations (including iPads and bicycles), and capital projects updates.

Trip sponsor Amber Cruea presented highlights from an eight‑day 2026 student educational trip to Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C.; the board approved a proposed 2027 trip for 7th and 8th graders to Tampa, Florida. The superintendent’s report noted more than 100 students enrolled in summer school, ongoing facility projects (gym lighting and flooring work, roof parapet repairs), and an increase in district attendance from 90% to 91%.

The board set a study session for 4:30 p.m. July 13 to review student achievement and attendance data and scheduled the regular meeting and public hearing on that same evening at 6:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Votes at a glance: all motions recorded in the minutes passed unanimously.