Joint board approves 3.5% SAU wage pool to guide next budget

The SAU joint board voted to include a 3.5% wage pool in the next round of budget planning to provide a starting point for allocating raises across SAU staff. The motion, discussed during review of the FY26 draft budget, passed by voice vote after several members emphasized inflation metrics and the need for market alignment.

A board member argued for the figure, saying, "I mean, I think we should budget for a 3.5 wage pool based on where inflation is shaking out as of right now." The board clarified the wage pool covers SAU-level staff not under multiyear collective-bargaining contracts; the superintendent and business manager will determine distribution across individual positions.

The vote does not itself set individual raises; it establishes the aggregate pool for the SAU budget. Board members noted the December/October inflation figures often inform final decisions and that adjustments remain possible before the public hearing in November. The board recorded the motion, received a second, and approved it to guide upcoming budget work.