Trustees hear compensation plan overview; revisions tabled, then approved after executive session

Jamie Rodriguez presented the 2026–27 compensation plan as a TASB‑benchmarked pay system, explaining pay grades (minimum, midpoint, maximum), teacher starting pay ($58,000), stipends and the plan's role in recruiting and retention. "Our jobs should be listed on the compensation plan," Rodriguez said, walking the board through pay‑grade examples and the annual review process.

Trustees questioned classification issues (dual listings for HR roles under educational and business pay grades), how the board handles employees who have 'maxed out' of their pay grade, and whether certain positions would be refilled. Rodriguez said cabinet positions may be placed in the same pay grade at the superintendent's discretion to preserve internal equity. After discussion, trustees moved to table formal approval of proposed revisions until after closed session to allow personnel matters to be considered in executive session.

Following the executive session, the board returned to open session and approved the previously tabled revisions to the 2026–27 compensation plan (motion by Mr. Ben Castillo, second by Coach Cuell). The board directed staff to implement the changes in coordination with payroll and the upcoming budget amendment.