Evidence of Board Assumptions on Wage and Benefit Increases

The Messenger’s article dated February 13, 2026, page 5, John Stark voters overwhelmingly support 95.5% raises for teachers [sic], making it quite clear that the John Stark contract negotiating team and the School Board assume that wages and benefits for teaching staff should increase annually.

“Board member James Newcomb said the increase reflected the fact that teachers worked this year with no contract and were getting two years of raises at once.”

Recommendation for Board Member Transparency

If this becomes the established practice in contract negotiations, it will severely weaken the public’s ability to negotiate a fair contract. Transparency is essential to maintaining trust with the voting public, who deserve to know each Board member’s stance on automatic wage and benefit increases.

Will automatic wage and benefit compensation correct the school’s poor performance record? Over the last 7-8 years, increases have produced no measurable improvement in performance.

Maybe we have an administration problem?

Board Member Declarations During Elections

As Board members seek election or re-election, WE THE VOTERS must demand that the candidates state their intention to support annual wage and benefit increases for employees. This ensures voters are fully informed about candidates’ positions on teacher and staff compensation.

REMEMBER, WE HAVE THE POWER OF THE PURSE…NOW USE IT!

OHB keeping it real…you be the judge…thank you, wise ole owl