Members from the Carroll Community School District’s Board of Education faced disagreements when discussing pay increases for non-bargaining staff while facing raises in insurance premiums. The proposed wage increases for the non-bargaining staff range from 3.26% for admins, directors, and other professionals to 7.06% for custodial positions. The proposed package increases include health insurance, FICA, and IPERS, which range from 3.34% to 6.76%. Board Member Jim Friel asked if a wage increase of over three percent for administration positions was the way to go after having an exempt session a few weeks back to discuss insurance premiums.
The non-bargaining staff, including custodians, admin assistants, transportation department, food service, admin, directors, and other professionals, are set to benefit from the proposed changes. However, these increases come at a cost, with the district projected to spend an additional $299,700 in new money to cover the wage and benefit increases. Board member Jill Johnston expressed the challenge of viewing wages and benefits as separate entities.
Friel says he was not looking at the numbers throughout the conference, as his concern was this district, CCSD’s funding, and enrollment numbers. He says the district is already thinking ahead of needing to dip into the reserve fund for teachers’ salaries, he was exploring options for some ways to cut back to save more money, and he was having a hard time justifying raising salaries when those positions receive free health insurance. Director of Business Affairs Nicole McCarville and Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau explained how this will only be the case in some admin positions this year due to choices now being offered.
Not all board members agreed. Some felt that the negotiations had already been accepted and revisiting them would be a cumbersome process. Board member Duane Horsley, while open to the idea, suggested that it be considered during next year’s negotiations, as implementing it at this stage could pose challenges.
The proposed wage increases for non-bargaining staff were approved on a 4-1 vote, with Friel being the only nay vote. A list of the percent increases for non-bargaining staff wages and benefits can be found below.
Custodial: Salary- 7.06% Package- 6.76%
Administrative Assistants: Salary- 4.04% Package- 4.43%
Transportation Department: Salary- 3.87% Package- 4.07%
Miscellaneous: Salary- 3.77% Package- 4.03%
Food Service: Salary- 4.17% Package- 4.57%
Admin, Directors, Other Professionals: Salary- 3.26% Package- 3.34%
