Staff get 2.7% raise as new costs outrun new money

What happened

The board approved the FY2027 salary schedule with a 2.7% cost-of-living raise (about $2,000 for teachers and 75 cents an hour for classified staff), step raises and fully paid health insurance. The planning sheet shows new ongoing costs of $373,371 against $298,119 in new ongoing money, a gap of $75,252.

Why it matters to families

Raises help keep teachers in a small rural district, but spending that grows faster than revenue has to be covered from reserves or other cuts.

The evidence

The FY27 salary proposal in the May 12, 2026 board documents lists the funding needed, funding available and the -$75,252 difference; May minutes record the unanimous approval.

The source