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Melrose-Mindoro board approves 2.8% staff pay increase as insurance costs rise 10.8%
Summary
The Melrose-Mindoro School Board approved a 2.8% salary increase for professional and support staff for 2026–2027 and accepted a 10.8% insurance premium increase while deferring administrator raises. The board also accepted a low short-term borrowing bid and approved $1.44 million in vouchers.
Melrose-Mindoro School Board members voted April 27 to raise professional and support staff pay by 2.8% for the 2026–2027 school year and to approve an insurance renewal that increases premiums by 10.8%.
The board’s compensation motion, moved by Jamie Waughtal and seconded by Daniel Heidel, followed an extended discussion about staff retention and meeting a cohort goal; the motion carried 4-0 with Board Members Terry Blaken and Emily Stanton recorded as abstaining. The board left consideration of administration salary increases for a later date.
Administrators presented three insurance plan options that use the same structure as the 2025–2026 offerings with no coverage changes. The board approved the insurer options and the 10.8% increase (motion by Miranda Chandler, second by Daniel Heidel). That motion carried 5-0 with Blaken abstaining.
In the same meeting the board approved the check summary and vouchers totaling $1,437,750.67 and accepted a short-term borrowing bid from Black River Country Bank at 2.15% for the 2026–2027 year. The acceptance of the bank bid carried 5-0 with Blaken abstaining; First National Bank had bid 3.09% and Co-op Credit Union declined to submit a bid.
Board President Kim Sacia opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. and administrators summarized district finances and planning. Superintendent Deanna Wiatt noted the district’s successful operational referendum and ongoing budget planning tied to staff retention and program needs.
The board’s votes on compensation and benefits set direction for negotiations and budget planning heading into the next fiscal year. Administration pay and other pending budget items were left for future deliberation.
