WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Hutchinson Public Schools announced this week that they are significantly raising the wage for all staff members. The announcement comes after a negotiated agreement was settled on Monday.
“These changes reflect the district’s commitment to remaining competitive in the job market and providing fair compensation to all employees, from substitutes to certified staff and classified employees,” said USD 308 in a news release. “These wage adjustments are part of USD 308’s ongoing effort to provide competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring that the district remains a leader in education and a key player in attracting and retaining top talent.”
Local business owners oppose downtown parking changes
Employees will see the following wage and benefit increases:
- Certified Staff: Base pay (column 1, step 1) for certified staff has increased by $4,000 (9.4%), with additional funding for step and column movement on the pay scale. New base pay salary is $46,600.
- Classified Staff: The lowest starting wage for classified staff has been raised from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour, marking a 7.1% increase for entry-level positions. All hourly employees will benefit from a minimum increase of $1 per hour, with each position’s starting wage seeing a corresponding $1 per hour boost.
- Substitute Teachers: Daily substitute pay has been increased to $135, up from $110, with long-term substitutes earning $155 per day. This adjustment ensures competitiveness with surrounding markets and addresses the high demand for substitutes.
- Healthcare Contribution: The board has increased its monthly healthcare contribution by $85, bringing the total contribution to $615 per month, representing a 16% enhancement.