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LAUREL – Salaries for Laurel- Concord-Coleridge School’s classified staff, principals and superintendent increased after approval by the district’s school board last week.
The board approved a new contract for Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen through June of 2027 and a 3.25 percent increase in pay. Under the new contract, Christiansen’s annual salary rises to $148,660.
Christiansen’s goals for 2025 include a systematic analysis and evaluation of facilities and programs; and create and foster a culture of connection and stakeholder engagement.
All three principals - at the elementary, middle and high school - saw a similar increase in wages, rising to $91,150 annually. And Director of Transportation Quin Conner’s annual salary increased to $72,077 — a 3.78 percent increase.
Classified staff hourly rates also increased 2 percent. This applies to activity bus and other drivers, substitutes in all areas including custodial and kitchen, and accompanist.
The board’s negotiations committee also recommended adding the position of school psychologist as the district considers hiring its own psychologist at a cost savings compared to the current contract with the ESU, Christiansen said in his report.
Spanish teacher Jill Camargo and Business Education teacher Carrie Williamson have submitted resignations.
The board approved a teaching contract for Bryce Holcomb to teach high school business courses and keyboarding at the elementary.
Holcomb graduated from Wayne State College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in business management, and has been working as an accountant since 2021. He also acquired a substitute teaching certificate and is expected to graduate in December with a degree in secondary education.
Holcomb will be able to combine his student teaching experience with actual classroom teaching starting in August.
The school board’s next meeting is set for 7 p.m., Monday, March 10, at the Coleridge conference room. Additional community engagement meetings have been set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 17, at the Coleridge board room; and 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at the Laurel library.
During the community engagement meetings, the board will share a summary of feedback gathered during the last engagement sessions in November 2024, and also discuss district priorities and goals.
