Board raises hourly rate for school registration workers to $16, citing minimum wage changes and staff recruitment

The board approved a proposal July 24 to raise hourly pay for school registration assistants from $12.50 to $16.

The change affects temporary, hourly positions used during registration periods and some evening registration events; administrators said the higher rate will help attract qualified staff and account for Missouri's upcoming minimum-wage increase to $15 on Jan. 1. The district estimated the immediate fiscal impact at roughly $2,000 and said future increases to $15 would be mandated by state law.

Administrators said principals should fill registration positions using existing building staff first (secretaries, counselors, administrators) and that the district is not asking staff to work off-contract regularly. They said extended evening registration days are limited and that hourly hires are expected to be short-term, not full-time positions.

The motion passed with a unanimous vote; administrators said they will monitor staffing levels and costs and return with any needed adjustments.