CPS employee salaries considered ‘highly competitive’ within relative labor market, study shows

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools employee salaries are considered "above market and highly competitive," a Gallagher benchmarking study found.

The study was done to ensure competitiveness within the external market, according to a presentation from the district. Gallagher worked with CPS to identify a group of comparator organizations based upon
organization size, budget size, location and competition.

Responses were received from 29% of the 24 participants.

Results from the study show CPS base salaries are above market at the 50th percentile and considered highly competitive. Other key takeaways include:

• CPS pays 15% above market at the 25th percentile, which typically includes early-career employees;
• CPS salaries align with the 50th percentile (1% above market), representing employees who are established in their roles;
• CPS pays 10% below market at the 75th percentile, where employees with longer tenure typically fall.

The district is set to discuss the findings of the study during its Board of Education meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday night at the Aslin Administration Building.

The next steps include developing a recommended salary structure and finalizing an implementation plan, according to the agenda.

Superintendent search

The district also gave an update on its search for a new superintendent. The district's former superintendent, Brian Yearwood, retired in November.

CPS bought the remainder of his contract for $667,000. Chris Belcher has been serving as interim superintendent since.

An update at Monday night's meeting indicated that there are three finalists for the position who will be interviewed again this week.

The Missouri School Boards' Association is being paid $20,000 for the search. The organization last month stated there were 22 applicants.

New elementary school name

The board also unanimously approved the name of a new elementary school that is being built in Southwest Columbia.

The board unanimously approved the name Eagle Bluffs Elementary School. Sinclair Elementary School was the runner-up. The school will be built near John Warner Middle School on Sinclair Road.

CPS had asked community members to submit ideas for the name on a form on its website at the end of last year.

The form asked residents to:

• List the name;
• Describe the name’s geographical relevance;
• Describe how the name aligns with the mission, vision and values of the school district;
• Explain how the name is unique and easily identifiable;
• Describe how the name contributes to the city and school district and
• Describe the historical significance of the name.