Local schools should have a little extra money to play with this year.
The St. Vrain Valley School District Board unanimously approved a new $663 million budget Wednesday night. The budget boasts a $5.1 million increase in revenue and a $12 million increase in compensation for staff. What does that amount to?
Starting teacher salaries will rise $800 to $64,500
Non-teacher staff pay will see a 2.32% raise
Increased contributions from school district for healthcare premiums
The increases follow the most recent round of negotiations with the St. Vrain Valley Education Association. According to SVVSD budget czar, Justin Petrone, current compensation rates for rookie teachers place Longmont’s school district among the best in the state. Per the National Education Association, in 2024-2025…
Colorado’s average starting teacher salary: $45,489
National average starting teacher salary: $48,112
But, benefits from higher pay are considerably softened when Colorado’s backbreaking cost of living is factored in. A recent report from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce ranks the state 48th in the nation for housing affordability.
Nevertheless, the jump in pay follows a prestigious ranking from Forbes last year that named SVVSD among the best employers in the nation and the highest rated school district in Colorado.
Next steps:
A public hearing on June 10
Adoption on June 24
Potential amendments on January 27