Hastings board reviews 3.5% pay package across certificated, classified and administrative employees

Board members reviewed multiple compensation items at the Feb. 12 work session, centered on a 3.5% increase for certificated staff carried in the 2026-27 negotiated agreement and aligned increases for classified and administrative staff.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Prososki and Vice President Jodi Graves described the certificated salary schedule under the two-year agreement approved in 2025; the 2026-27 base salary on the schedule is proposed at $40,600 and reflects a 3.5% increase. "The 2026-27 schedule is reflective of a 3.5% increase as part of the two-year agreement approved in 2025," Prososki said.

Director of HR and Operations Dr. Thomas Szlanda reviewed parallel proposals for classified staff: a 3.5% increase or $1.00 per hour, whichever is greater, with starting salary ranges in Appendix A increased by $0.50 per hour and effective Aug. 8, 2026. Szlanda also recommended raising substitute teacher pay from $170 to $175 per day for 2026-27. Administrative salaries would be adjusted by 3.5% to align with other employee groups, and proposed revisions to 215- and 225-day principal contracts would grant those administrators personal days on the same terms as certificated teaching staff.

Board members discussed the recommendations, including how experience-credit changes to Policy 4029 would affect new hires: the district would grant credit for all prior years of experience when placing newly hired certified staff on the salary schedule, removing the previous 10-year credit cap. The items were reviewed for action at the regular meeting; no formal votes were taken at the work session.