Spooner board to consider converting two half‑time maintenance roles into one full‑time position

Administration asked the board to consider reorganizing buildings and grounds staffing by combining two half‑time maintenance positions into one full‑time role.

Dr Asen said the district has struggled to fill two half‑time positions and frequently pays overtime to current staff. The recommended change would be revenue‑neutral on wages and would make the position eligible for full‑time benefits, improving recruitment and retention. Administration proposed moving an employee currently funded in part with ESSER funds into the full‑time role.

Board members raised budget timing and cost concerns: cash‑in‑lieu payments run about $5,500 per year, while a family health insurance plan can cost approximately $25,000 per year with the district paying roughly 83% of that premium. Members asked whether the district could defer the change until the next fiscal budget; administration said the preliminary budget will include the position and that overtime savings and retention benefits could offset benefit costs.

Next steps: The board consented to place the proposal on the regular meeting agenda so the administration can present detailed budget projections before any formal action.