The Warren County R-III Board of Education recently approved its 2025-26 Negotiated Agreement with a unanimous 7-0 vote on March 13. 

This agreement was created within a day between district leaders, representatives from WEA and MSTA, administrators and board members. The goal of the committee is to come together to address ongoing concerns and collaborate on effective solutions.

These changes will go into effect on July 1. 

One of the most notable changes is the increase in teacher starting salaries, which will rise to $40,000, up from the previous $39,169. In addition, hourly staff will see a wage increase, with the base pay for these employees now set at a minimum of $15 per hour. 

Coaches and club sponsors will also see changes to their compensation structure. Instead of a flat rate, pay will now be based on years of experience, similar to the step-based system used for teachers. This change aims to better credit the years-long experiences of those involved in extracurricular activities.

The agreement also discussed having staff representation during administrative meetings, coaches providing practice schedules, blackout dates for school events and coverage expectations for high-needs paras. 

Finically, the board expects a 4.7% increase in funds for all salary and hourly adjustments.  

To help offset some of the costs, the board approved a $0.50 increase per session for the Latchkey program, which provides before and after school care for families.

For example, morning childcare for three days or less in a week previously cost $15, but this will now increase to $16.50. Or if children attend the Latchkey program for both morning and afternoon care four or five days a week, the cost will rise to $60, as opposed to the previous rate of $55. 

The price increase will help generate an additional $8,500 annually.