July 14, 2025, USD 308 Board of Education meeting
July 14, 2025
New Leadership Elected to Board of Education
During the annual organizational session,Lance Patterson was unanimously elected Board President (7-0), and Leisha Mendez-Rosariowas elected Vice President (6-0) . Patterson assumed the gavel immediately after the vote.
Board Adopts New Cell-Phone & Earbud Policy in 2025-26 Handbooks
After tabling the item last month for public input, trustees voted 7-0 to approve the 2025-26 student handbooks containing stricter rules on cell-phone and earbud use . The policy takes effect district-wide this fall.
District Approves $480,000 for Staff Salary Increases
The board approved salary packages totaling about $402,000 for classified employees and $78,000 for administrators, for a combined$480,000. The increases average roughly4 percentacross the two groups and follow last spring’s $1.1 million teacher raise. As a result,65 percent of employees will now earn between $16 and $17 per hour.
Board Discusses Upcoming Bond Issue and Community Outreach
A report from the pre-bond steering committee—meeting for the past two years—highlighted plans to educate the community on district facility needs. Trustees praised the committee’s organized approach and use of outside experts .
Staffing Levels Strong, but Teacher and Para Vacancies Remain
Food service, maintenance, and para-educator staffing have improved markedly; food service and maintenance are fully staffed, and custodial has “two or three” openings due to recent transitions. The district still seeks 5–7 elementary teachers and 14–15 para-educators before classes begin.
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