Lewis-Palmer school board discusses increasing staff pay
Jeff Kearney, THE TRIBUNE
During Dr. K.C. Somers’ final board of education meeting as Lewis-Palmer School District 38’s superintendent, staff morale, culture and a successful strategic plan were touted as some of the district’s accomplishments under his leadership. Going forward, though, better wages throughout the district remains a goal.
During the board’s regular meeting Monday night, pay raises for all staff members was the main focus of a financial presentation as the 2024-25 budget continues to take shape.
The district’s chief business officer, Brett Ridgway, presented board members with a 5.85% overall wage increase across the district’s employees based on a 6% per-pupil revenue change.
Still in its early stages, Ridgway broke down varying changes to different base pay rates based on employee categories and pay schedules. Specific target increases were 4.9% for licensed teachers and special service providers, 9% classified employees; 4.7% for professional and technical educators and 3% for administrators.
Ridgway explained that the varying rates between categories was also the result of varying pay schedules and pay changes. The intention is that newer district employees wouldn’t get far outpaced by senior employees, or vice versa, like they would if everyone received the same dollar or percentage raise.
“We’re trying to aim for this middle point … so that everyone can kind of achieve a balance,” he said.
If approved, the district’s starting wage would increase to $17.35 per hour at the start of the new school year.
Ridgway also stressed that these figures are still in the draft stage and that the final metrics from the state Department of Education to confirm these adjustments could be expected around April, which is roughly when they came out last year.
As a discussion item, the board will continue to build on this proposal and other general budget considerations throughout spring before a final vote in June.
Board member Ron Schwarz noted that continuing to improve wages will help the district attract younger educators going forward.
“And if we maintain the quality of culture that we have here, they’ll stay here for their whole career,” he said.
Other discussions
Earlier during the meeting, teachers and staff expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Somers ahead of his departure for a superintendent position in Peoria, Ariz.
Schwarz noted that Somers entered into “a somewhat contentious environment” when he became superintendent in 2019, but listed his accomplishments since then that included improving school safety, helping the board solidify its strategic plan, navigating academic instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was recognized by the Washington Post for its effectiveness, and continuing academic growth and achievement.
“Within 12 months, we were able to reverse a negative trend into a positive trend,” Schwarz said.
Somers also provided some words to the board and staff in attendance, emphasizing their accomplishments and how they were the result of always acting with the students in mind first and foremost.
His words were received with a standing ovation.
“I will not be a stranger to Colorado,” Somers said.
Dr. Kenneth Christopher “K.C.” Somers
During the February regular meeting, the board approved the appointment of Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine to serve as acting superintendent for the remainder of the school year, starting Apr. 1.
Additionally, Courtney Harrell was introduced by Whetstine to the board for their recommendation as the new principal for Lewis-Palmer Middle School. The board ultimately voted to approve her. Harrell most recently served as an assistant principal at Sand Creek High School.
