Waunakee Community School District proposes 4.7% wage increase to district staff, highest amount allowed by law.
Given that the local media generally doesn’t cover issues of note until after they’ve already happened, I thought it notable to point out that the school district is actually proposing a 4.7% wage increase to district staff. I was pleasantly surprised!
Why is this notable? It’s the maximum amount allowable by Wisconsin law. This law prevents districts from increasing primary staff compensation beyond the rate of inflation, as set by the Consumer Price Index. It shouldn’t be considered a given that the Board will always offer the maximum allowed. If conservatives on the Board of Education somehow obtain a majority, district staff may not see their salaries increase by the maximum amount allowed by law and effectively receive a de facto wage cut. It is no longer clear that the Board of Education in Waunakee is controlled by progressive, pro-public education voices.
I have often written of the fact that the WCSD actually pays its staff below the county average, despite being the most affluent suburban school district in a 100 mile radius. To be blunt, at the rate we’re going, no new staff member could afford to independently live in the community without marrying or prior independent wealth, much less providing for a family as a sole income earner or as a single parent.
The only way to change this paradigm is a referendum to increase salaries beyond the consumer price index
It is unclear if this 4.7% proposal covers anyone other than units represented by the WTA (Waunakee Teacher Association). This again means that the most difficult (yet important) posititions to fill may receive no raises, including some para-professionals, custodial staff, administrative positions, etc.
If you support our district staff, you should email the BOE and let them know.
Likewise, if you don’t support staff raises, you should also let the BOE know. Preferably in writing.
Waunakee & Friends 