Personnel committee recommends 1.5% teacher pay increase and $250 December bonus

The Darlington Community School District Personnel Committee on March 19, 2025, approved a recommendation for 2025–2026 teacher compensation that includes a 1.5% salary increase, continued steps and lanes, and a $250 bonus to be paid in December. The committee recorded the action after an executive session on negotiations and the motion "carried."

"Motion by Fink, seconded by Riechers, to recommend the following for teachers for 2025-2026: a 1.5% salary increase plus steps/lanes and a $250 bonus in December. Motion carried," the minutes state, reflecting the formal motion moved by Rick Fink and seconded by Jeff Riechers. The minutes do not provide additional detail on the funding source, implementation timeline beyond the December bonus timing, or whether the committee forwarded the recommendation to the full board for final approval.

Bob Hermanson, Personnel Committee Chairperson, opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.; Superintendent Cale Jackson acknowledged notice. The recommendation was the only formal action recorded as arising from the executive-session negotiations on teacher salaries. "Meet and Confer" was noted with no action, and the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. The minutes do not specify the next procedural step or whether the recommendation requires a separate board vote.