Board reviews proposed extension of director of schools' contract to 2030

Board members reviewed a proposed replacement of the director of schools' current contract, which now runs through 2028. Staff said the proposed contract would begin July 1, 2026 and run through June 30, 2030; the document is in the meeting packet for board review and will be discussed at the business meeting.

Board members asked whether pay-plan placement adjustments applied districtwide and whether teachers were included in a 3% placement plan. Dr. Arnold replied that hourly employees were on a 3% placement schedule in the board's five-year plan and that teachers had previously participated in a separate governor-driven initiative to raise beginning teacher pay to $50,000; the board said going forward it intends, as budget permits, to aim for a 3% annual raise for employees.

Board members expressed support and said they were satisfied with the contract changes as explained by staff. One board member said after in-depth review he was "convinced that this is a fair, equitable contract" that would keep the district competitive with other districts. The board will continue review of the draft at the upcoming business meeting.