Board splits over speed vs. review on pay scales; members debate finance‑committee review and living-wage target

Board members spent much of the meeting debating process: some emphasized urgency so employees would receive the promised increases without further delay, while others pressed for more time to examine long-term implications and community engagement.

Miss Kay and other members warned that rushing could reintroduce pay‑processing errors; Miss Rivero and others said the public and affected employees had limited time to review the materials and asked that the finance committee examine whether additional funds could be found to raise the district minimum toward local living-wage targets. "I would put a recommendation that the salary schedules be put on finance committee...to review those and just look at different projections," Miss Rivero said. Opponents argued that delaying would extend staff uncertainty; Dr. Lewis and administration emphasized that July pay cycles require quick action to avoid retro pay delays. After debate, the board approved the schedules as presented but asked the finance committee to continue analysis and bring recommendations back in August.