SCSD1 approves employee pay increases amid financial report

At the recent Scott County School District 1 (SCSD1) board meeting, a comprehensive financial update was presented alongside the approval of significant pay increases for district employees. The Education Fund showed positive growth, beginning September at $3.5 million and ending the month at $3.6 million. Meanwhile, debt service remained steady at $108,000 and retirement debt at $16,730. The referendum fund also remained unchanged at $80,632.

Operational funds, which started at $590,000, ended the month at $487,000 after several construction-related payments, leaving a balance of $1.59 million. These expenses included 16,270 for HVAC work, $15,298.75 for replacing a freezer, and $6,994 for tennis court cameras and network installation. The report also noted a $13,036.92 payment for a new scrubbing machine for the elementary school.

The board then shifted focus to employee compensation with Superintendent Trevor Jones proposing new pay increases for district employees following successful contract negotiations. Certified employees with bachelor's degrees will receive a $2,000 raise, while those with master's degrees will see a $3,000 increase, split into two stipends-one before Thanksgiving and another before spring break. These increases will be added to base contracts starting in the 2025-26 school year.

Administrators are set to receive a $3,000 salary increase at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, due to a 5.9% rise in insurance premiums, monthly contributions will increase to $590 for individual plans, $1,210 for family plans, and $1,667 for plans covering both spouses. Non-certified staff will receive a 3% increase to their hourly rate or salary, retroactive to the beginning of the school year.

With unanimous approval, the board expressed satisfaction with the outcome, “I'm just glad we could do that,” remarked Jones.