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MRH board approves bargaining reopeners; district warns of FY27 budget pressures
Summary
The Maplewood-Richmond Heights board approved bargaining reopeners negotiated with the MRH NEA that include multi-year pay steps and stipend adjustments; administrators warned the district faces a projected FY27 operating gap and insurance-cost uncertainty that will affect implementation.
The Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District board on March 12 approved the collective-bargaining reopeners negotiated with the MRH NEA, moving the tentative agreement to ratification and communication steps that the district will publish after the board’s action.
Dr. Ambers Phillips, presenting the reopeners, said the contract provides significant increases for certified staff: an earlier year‑one increase of 8 percent plus step increases, and a year‑two proposal that offers either a 6 percent or 9 percent increase plus step. The presentation said the goal is to place certified employees in the top 25 percent of regional pay scales. Phillips also summarized changes to extra‑duty and summer stipends: high‑school counselors’ summer stipend rising from $3,960 to $4,500, the middle‑school counselor stipend from $1,980 to $2,100, and modest adjustments for social‑worker summer compensation.
Board member motioned and the board approved the reopeners by voice vote. The administration said the MRH NEA had already voted to approve the terms and the board’s ratification will be followed by standard communication and posting of the agreement.
At the same meeting, the district’s finance team warned that FY27 revenues are uncertain and that insurance‑benefit cost projections pose a material budget risk. Chief Financial Officer Miss Hunter reported February financials showing a 4 percent increase in revenue collections year over year but noted local taxes were at about 90 percent collection and that the state Classroom Trust Fund remained underfunded. Hunter’s FY27 preview projected an initial operating gap in the neighborhood of $1.3 million before insurance uncertainties; she said benefits and insurance could materially widen that gap and that the administration will return with budget amendments and options for balancing.
Board members and staff framed the labor and budget items together: several public commenters had urged stronger pay for educational support staff and a “one job should be enough” compensation standard. District leaders said the current reopeners primarily address certified staff compensation and specific stipend items; support‑staff living‑wage proposals remain under consideration for the upcoming budget process.
Next steps: the administration will publish ratification materials as required by policy and continue budget work in April and May to close remaining gaps before the FY27 budget is finalized.
