Jackson OKs 2.5 percent raise for teachers

The Jackson School Board on Tuesday approved a 2.5-percent pay increase for teachers and approved the district's budget for the 2015-2016 school year.

The base salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor's degree will be $34,000, according to a salary schedule.

The board also approved a $10 pay increase for substitute teachers from $70 per day to $80. Superintendent Ron Anderson said it's the first pay increase for substitutes in about 10 years.

"We try to do the best we can for staff at both ends of the schedule," Anderson said, adding the district consistently has worked to increase pay for veteran teachers, as well as the base pay for new teachers.

"I think that's good, because I think the teachers who have been here forever deserve raises like the young ones do," said Dan Stover, vice president of the board.

Wade Bartels, associate superintendent for finance and business operations, walked the board through the budget, which includes total revenue of $48,203,203 and total expenditures of $49,791,821.

"The big thing in this year's budget is staffing and funding the new elementary school, and you can see that reflected in the budget numbers for the year," Bartels said. "It includes staffing, energy, supplies, technology -- everything that would be included to open a new elementary school."

The district expects to start the new fiscal year with a total of $18,288,715 in its beginning balance, with total receipts and balances at $66,491,918, according to the budget document.

Total fund transfers are expected to be $4,684,962.

Local property taxes make up 45 percent of the district's budget.

State appropriations are 37 percent, with Proposition C sales tax revenue at 9 percent of the pie, followed by federal funds at 6 percent, county dollars at 2 percent and other sources at 1 percent.

"This is a very realistic budget," Bartels said. "Our philosophy is to be very conservative with revenues and make sure we estimate expenses where we expect them to be. I would say it's a very balanced budget. We do have a few more expenses than we do in revenue, but that's because of the completion of the elementary school, which is funded by the bond issues from 2012 and 2013."

Tuesday was the last meeting for Anderson before he retires as superintendent June 30 after 16 years with the district.

Board members thanked Anderson for what he has done to improve the district over the years.

"When we hire a superintendent, hopefully our job is a whole lot easier," said board member T. Wayne Lewis. "For the last 16 years, you've made it wonderful."

Anderson thanked the board of education and said he's enjoyed his profession tremendously.

"I was the youngest superintendent in the state of Nebraska when I started," he said. "Now I'm probably the oldest one in the state of Missouri. It's something I've never regretted. It's fun to go to work every day, and you hope you make a difference."

The board also approved several program evaluations, eligibility criteria for free and reduced meals, plus breakfast and lunch prices for 2015-2016, which will rise by 10 cents.

klamb@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

614 E. Adams St., Jackson, Mo.