2026-27 pay raises of about 2.8 percent approved while new state money is capped near $950,000

What happened

On May 6, 2026 the board approved a licensed staff salary schedule that raises the base from $53,275 to $54,000 (an average 2.82 percent raise, about $405,000 with benefits), a matching 2.82 percent raise for classified staff (nearly $200,000) and a 50 cent hourly increase for bus drivers plus a one-time $150 payment. Administrators said the School Finance Act would bring at most about $950,000 in new money, and in February they said the health insurance renewal rose 13.5 percent, adding about $250,000 in costs. The district had planned for no more than a 10.5 percent increase in its share.

Why it matters to families

Raises and rising insurance costs use most of the new state money, leaving little room for other programs.

The evidence

The May 6 minutes record the three pay votes and the $950,000 figure. The February 25 minutes describe the 13.5 percent insurance increase.

The source