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District proposes pay-matrix changes to comply with STARS Act; first-year costs may rise
Summary
Cascade negotiators outlined a matrix restructuring to meet the STARS Act entry-level minimum (discussed as $42,863). The district said the change would raise many staff's pay in year one but could equalize distribution going forward.
District negotiator Andy gave a detailed presentation of the pay matrix and the district’s plan to meet STARS Act requirements. He explained the mechanics of attainment levels and how raising the entry-level base to the STARS minimum (discussed at $42,863 in the meeting) affects distribution across columns and steps.
"Entry level base is $42,863," Andy said while showing the proposed attainment-level adjustments; he outlined that many positions would receive roughly a $5,000 increase plus an extra step in the first year while those at the very bottom might get smaller nominal increases. Andy warned the first-year cost would be high but argued the restructuring removes out-of-compliance cells and could allow the district to focus future raises on the base rather than skewed distribution.
Board members and union reps questioned the long‑term implications for lifetime earnings and retention, noting the trade‑offs if percentage differences are reduced while steps are added. Andy acknowledged payroll-software constraints for renumbering steps and agreed to share individualized matrices so teachers could see personal impacts.
The parties agreed to circulate spreadsheet examples and to continue technical discussions so members could review individual outcomes before finalizing text.
