(STURGIS) – Some Sturgis Public Schools employee groups are seeing an increase in their pay.

During their November 20 meeting, the Sturgis Board of Education was presented with compensation proposals from the Board’s Finance Committee. In October the Finance Committee determined that approximately $245,000 was available in the current budget that could be put towards wage increases for some members of the school staff.

Ben Myers, a member of the Finance Committee presented their recommendations to the Board. Myers says the Committee is recommending an increase in the hourly rate for bus drivers for the remainder of the current school year, from the lower end wage of between $17.66 and $18.66 an hour to between $18 and $19 per hour.

There would also be increases in the layover rate and the GSRP/Special Education route rate.

For drivers and maintenance personnel, they would begin their personal and sick times on their first day on the job. That would also include grounds staff, mechanics and pool staff.

In addition the proposed increase for educational assistants would be from between $13.19 to $15.09 an hour to between $14 and $16 per hour for the rest of the school year. In addition, previously negotiated percentage increases for the 2024-2025 and the 2025-2026 school years will be added to the new hourly rates.

At the present time, secretarial staff do not get any longevity compensation for the years they have been employed. The Finance Committee recommended giving $500 for anyone who has 15 years of service; $750 for 20 years or more service, and $1,000 for 25 or more years of service.

This is the same that is provided to District Office staff.

The Finance Committee also recommended that all staff enrolled in the School District’s Green Health Savings Account Plan receive the following annual employer contributions: $300 for one person; $600 for 2 people and $600 for full families.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendations.