By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 school board unanimously approved an average 2.5% raise for teachers at its meeting on Monday.
The raise was part of the negotiated agreement with teachers.
The contract includes a $1,000 increase to the salary cells.
It also includes an $800 addition to the base salary.
The district will be changing the contribution to the teachers' health insurance in the next year. The $800 is to offset the change in insurance benefits.
The board also approved a 2.5% wage increase for classified, directors, administrators and other licensed personnel.
Jayme Goetz, board member, said she was curious about how the 2.5% figure was calculated. She said new teachers are receiving the same $1,800 as seasoned teachers. She said that does not equal 2.5% for long-term teachers.
Board President Curt Vajnar added that after 19 years, teachers receive longevity bonuses. However, teachers in the 16, 17 and 18 year range might have reached the top of the horizontal and vertical limits on the salary scale, resulting in stagnant wages.
The board also approved a 2.5% salary increase for classified, directors, administrators and other licensed personnel.
Board member Allen Park made a motion to delay the vote on the nonteachers' contracts to the next meeting. He argued the board should have more time to discuss the contracts.
He wanted to recess into an executive session to discuss the contracts, but Board Attorney Bill Jeter informed the board that state law did not permit the board to enter an executive session to discuss the contracts. The decision had to be discussed in a public forum.
Board member Ruth Ruder raised concerns about the salaries for classified staff, including cooks and paraprofessionals.
"I want to defend those people," she said. "I'm voting to table."
The federal government is discussing increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Some of the district staff aren't making that much. She said the district needs to be discussing how that change will affect the district budget now.
"I think those people need to be recognized for their contributions just as teachers and administrators," she said.
Board member Meagan Zampeiri-Lillpopp said the budget is tight. She said the district could revisit the classified wages and approve raises mid-year.
Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district is in a difficult financial situation regarding para pay.
"We are really handcuffed by the state and feds. They are not contributing enough for special education, forcing the district to use their buckets to fund special education," Wilson said.