Board approves one‑time stipends for classified staff and administrators; trustees express concern about excluded teachers

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District No. 25 Board of Trustees approved one‑time stipends for classified employees and administrative staff for the 2026–27 school year after a brief debate about amounts and funding.

Board member Diana proposed raising the packet amounts and recommended a $700 stipend for 105 employees (instead of $500), $850 for 48 employees (instead of $650), $1,000 for 24 employees (instead of $825), and $1,000 for the top 19 administrators across building and district levels. "What I would like to see is... $700 stipend for the first 105 instead of 500... $8.50 for the next 48 and 1,000 for the remaining 24," Diana said.

District staff and trustees ran cost estimates and identified an additional cost of about $38,125 for Diana's proposal. Superintendent Jonathan Balz said the district could cover the change through savings (the district had held or repurposed several classified positions) and by using supplemental‑levy funds. "We were able to move around and save about four classified positions... and so, yes, we would use that money to offset these... statements," Balz said.

Several trustees voiced concern that many certified teachers—roughly 200–230, by board discussion—would receive no additional payment because the teachers' contract, already ratified, did not include an across‑the‑board stipend. Trustee Jim Facer said he worried about how those long‑service teachers would react. "I worry about... teachers that don't get anything... everybody in the whole school district got somebody except for those that really got their boots on the ground," Facer said. Trustee Megan said she felt bad for top‑end teachers but supported Diana's recommended stipend levels to show appreciation for classified and administrative staff.

The board approved Diana's revised stipend plan by voice vote. The administration will post the finalized compensation table online and process the one‑time stipends as directed.

Funding and next steps: trustees and staff said roughly two‑thirds of the state reimbursement covered the base increases and the supplemental levy covers the district's share; administration listed follow‑up tasks to publish the final schedule and confirm payroll timing.