Random Lake board adopts 4.7% base pay increase and updated salary grid for teachers

The Random Lake School District board voted to raise the base teacher salary by 4.7% and to add a $2,028 supplement across the district’s supplemental salary cells, the board announced at its regular meeting.

Superintendent (speaking as meeting facilitator) said the district put the increase on the $45,000 base and then applied the $2,028 supplement to other cells of the pay schedule. "I feel like we're in a good place," the superintendent said, adding the district expects to be able to budget for the change while continuing other priorities.

The board discussed how the Professional Growth Plan (PGP) will continue to allow staff to advance on the grid through credits and demonstrated work; board members said the PGP helps retain staff and ties pay increases to classroom and district improvements. One board member asked how the district compares regionally; the superintendent said starting salaries in neighboring districts range from roughly $43,000 to $47,000, placing Random Lake near the middle of local comparators.

Board members and the superintendent noted the district expects the salary changes to increase personnel costs but said the additional expense is manageable within the draft budget. Board discussion referenced an estimated structural impact of roughly $80,000–$100,000 on teacher-pay lines; the superintendent said some reimbursements (from Act 20) and budget timing reduce immediate pressures and that the district will receive certain reimbursements in future years.

The motion to adopt the base pay increase and apply the supplement across the grid passed with a voice vote. After the vote the superintendent reiterated that the district will continue to monitor budget impacts and that future contract years may require continued attention if large neighboring districts increase starting pay significantly.

The board will incorporate the adopted schedule into offers and contracts for the coming school year and continue negotiating implementation details with staff representatives.