2026-27 budget gives staff a 4% raise as health costs rise 12%

What happened

The final 2026-27 operating budget is $69.3 million, up from $65.4 million. It gives eligible staff a 4% raise, including a step, which costs $1.89 million and is up from the 3% first proposed. It also pays the employer share of a 12.1% health insurance increase. The county's share rose by about $1.6 million to $20.7 million. The state budget was late, so the budget was not final until August and September 2026.

Why it matters to families

Pay and benefits help the district hire and keep staff. In February the district said its support-staff pay ranked last among six nearby school divisions.

The evidence

The FY27 adopted revenue sheet lists a total operating budget of $69,304,688 (FY26: $65,381,447) and a county appropriation of $20,711,697. The September 14, 2026 recording describes the 4% raise at $1.89 million and the 12.1% health renewal. The February 9 budget presentation ranked support-staff pay six out of six in the region.

The source