Wage competition drives up substitute and student pay in Decorah Schools; some student fees bump up slightly

National trends of competition for higher wages and difficulty in recruitment have hit Decorah and drove the Interim Decorah Community School Board to adjust several substitute employee wage schedules.

Substitute teacher wages will increase by $10 to $110. Compensation for substitute teacher associates, custodians, food service worker and secretaries will rise by about 15-20%.

District staff talked about the inability to hire student workers who can get higher wages in the community. Student wages were increased from the minimum wage of $7.65 to $10 per hour.

The Board delayed discussion of an increase in activity bus driver rates, which had been previously increased this year by $5 to $16.50. That still remains lower than some contiguous district rates of $20. The Board seemed to be leaning toward bonus package incentives and will discuss that in July.

Some student fees will also increase this fall. Textbook fees (vary by grade level) will increase by $2. The Driver Education fee will increase by $5 to $345. Lunch fees for K-12 will increase by 5 cents.