Board approves 2.63% cost‑of‑living raises for most staff, rejects a board pay increase

The board approved a package of operational items and personnel pay adjustments intended to preserve workforce stability while the district addresses a projected deficit.

Key votes at the meeting included approval of the 2026–27 fee schedule and a suspension of administrative tuition reimbursement for 2026–27. The board also approved revisions to fiscal and wellness policies and procedures.

Most notably, the board adopted a 2.63% base wage increase effective July 1, 2026 for multiple employee groups: certificated educators, paraprofessionals (including First Nations specialists and student learning advocates), trades staff, managers and technical professionals, administrators, and hourly staff categories (executive assistants, food service, maintenance, van drivers and monitors). The superintendent said the district balanced the 2026–27 budget after a series of strategic cuts and that the raise aligns with state guidance; members characterized the increase as a modest cost‑of‑living adjustment.

Roll-call tallies recorded on the record show the educator wage motion passed with a majority and two abstentions; later similar motions for paraprofessionals, trades, managers and administrators also passed. The board then debated a separate motion to increase board member compensation by the same 2.63% amount. That motion failed in roll-call 4–3 (three voted in favor, four opposed), with members citing optics during ongoing budget constraints and preferring not to increase elected officials' stipends at this time.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- 2026–27 fee schedule: approved (roll-call "I" recorded).
- Suspension of administrative tuition reimbursement (2026–27): approved (roll-call recorded).
- Policy revisions (600/700 series; wellness, surveillance): approved (roll-call recorded).
- 2.63% base-wage increases for educators and staff categories (effective 2026‑07‑01): approved (majorities recorded; some abstentions by trustees reporting conflicts of interest).
- Board member compensation increase (2.63%): failed 4–3.

Members emphasized that the district has pursued cost savings and that the raises are intended to protect staff retention. Several trustees abstained from votes where a potential conflict of interest was disclosed. The superintendent said the district will enter 2026–27 with a balanced budget after the actions taken at the meeting.

Next steps: the board's approved wage schedules take effect July 1, 2026; the district will continue budget planning ahead of any potential referendum.