Budget plan gives classified staff 3% raises and teachers a stipend

What happened

With no state raises, the preliminary 2026-27 budget planned a 3% raise for all classified staff and a one-time $1,000 stipend for certified teachers on the top step. It also raised the district's health insurance cap from $900 to $1,000. The board approved these changes on May 11, 2026 and adopted the budget on June 8.

Why it matters to families

Pay and benefits are most of a small district's budget. These choices affect staff retention.

The evidence

May 11, 2026 minutes, budget report: 'District would like to do a 3% raise for all classified and a 1-time stipend of $1,000 to all certified teachers on top rung. Also increase health insurance cap from $900 to $1000.'

The source