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SSSD Board of Education Approves Compensation Package for 2024-2025 School Year

SSSD Board of Education Approves Compensation Package for 2024-2025 School Year

The Steamboat Springs Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the proposed compensation package for the 2024-2025 school year presented at Monday’s BOE meeting. The package, presented to the Board by Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent, Board Vice President Chresta Brinkman, and Director of Finance and Operations Stephanie Juneau, reflects a more than $3 million investment to significantly increase the pay of certified and classified staff starting next school year. 

“I have served in this capacity for many years, and I can tell there is a strong rapport between SSSD and SSEA,” said Brinkman during the BOE meeting. “I appreciate all the work SSEA did to help us successfully negotiate on behalf of our staff.”

The baseline pay for a new, certified staff with a bachelor's degree will be $53,500. This is accomplished by adding $4,750 to the base salary schedule. A “step” or added year of experience was also negotiated, which is an additional 2.4% increase for current certified staff. Therefore, current certified staff will receive an increase in salary ranging from 9.4% - 15.3%. The range in percentage increase is based on placement in the salary schedule. You can find the current salary schedules on our website

SSSD licensed salary schedule

Additionally, a one-time $3,000 stipend will be given to occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists. 

Returning classified staff will receive a $4 increase to their wages, bringing the lowest-paid current hourly employee to $24. Therefore, current classified staff will receive an increase in wages ranging from 9.1%- 18.5%. The new classified wage schedule is below.

 

SSSD proposed classified staff wage schedule

For example, a returning paraprofessional who has worked for the district for one year will see an hourly wage increase from $21.61 to $25.61, giving an 18.5% increase in wages.

"A competitive wage that reflects the rising costs of living in our valley is vital to supporting our teachers and staff,” said Dr. Celine Wicks, Superintendent. “Fortunately, due to an augmentation in state funds, our judicious use of fund balance dollars, and SSEA’s persistent focus on reducing the Budget Stabilization factor at the state level, we seized the opportunity to substantially boost wages. We are delighted to reach this advantageous agreement, which will greatly benefit our dedicated teachers and staff.” 

The Steamboat Springs School District (SSSD) and the Steamboat Springs Education Association (SSEA) came to an agreement on the compensation package on Thursday, May 9. The package also went to a staff vote on May 16 and garnered an approval rate of 98.1%. 

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Media contact:
Laura Milius, Director of Communications
lmilius@ssk12.org