Solon Springs board approves 2.6% raise for daycare staff, hears fee‑increase discussion

The Solon Springs School District board approved a 2.6% wage increase for daycare assistant and lead teachers during its regular meeting, with the raise set to take effect in July.

Board members moved and seconded the proposal to accept the CPI‑based increase, and the motion carried; the transcript does not record the names of the mover and seconder or a roll‑call tally. Administrators said the percentage matches the districtwide CPI adjustment used for other staff this year.

Board members then discussed whether to raise daycare fees to better align with nearby providers, especially for the six‑week‑to‑2‑year age band where market rates were described as notably higher. Staff said the program’s revenue report included a line labeled “378” and noted a $175,000 district contribution added this year to help cover costs; units for the ‘378’ figure were not specified on the record and were noted as such during discussion.

Administrators explained the program receives a small recurring federal grant that can be used for staff and supplies but is contingent on continued funding decisions at higher levels. They also said about 90% of families in the program do not receive public assistance and that families who receive partial assistance must make up the difference themselves.

The board discussed timing for any fee increase and suggested making a change effective in January to provide families more lead time rather than implement it immediately. No fee change motion was made at the meeting; staff were asked to return with more detailed revenue, assistance and cost figures.

What happens next: The district will implement the 2.6% staff raise in July and staff will provide more detailed budget breakdowns and options for fee timing at a future meeting.