COMSTOCK TEACHERS ARE FIGHTING FOR BETTER PAY.

Dearest reader,

A Comstock teacher reached out to Lady B asking me to shine a little light on what teachers say is happening at the bargaining table.

And there are a few breadcrumbs worth putting together.

Comstock teachers are currently fighting for better pay. Lady B has been told that the district does not want to offer teachers a salary increase.

I have NOT independently verified the current bargaining offer, so I am going to do what Lady B does best.

Ask questions.

Because there is some interesting context here.

Comstock's finances are tight. The district's final amended 2025-26 budget projects a $476,302 deficit and an ending General Fund balance of $1.98 million, or just 5.57% of expenditures. 25-26 Amendment and 26-27 Budget...

But the story doesn't end there.

For 2026-27, the district itself projects a $481,095 SURPLUS, bringing the projected ending fund balance back to $2.46 million, or 7.11%. 25-26 Amendment and 26-27 Budget...

Then there is health insurance.

Earlier this year, Comstock proposed moving teachers away from MESSA to a less expensive health insurance plan. Superintendent Jeff Thoenes publicly said the anticipated savings could reduce employees' insurance costs AND provide money for a wage increase.

Now teachers say they are fighting for that better pay.

So, Lady B has some questions.

If the district is projecting a surplus next year, what is being offered to teachers?

What happened to the proposed insurance savings that were supposed to help fund a wage increase?

And while administrators have received raises, where do classroom teachers fall in Comstock's financial priorities?

Lady B isn't sitting at the bargaining table, and I don't pretend to know everything happening behind those closed doors.

But when educators reach out and say they are fighting to be heard, sometimes the best thing Lady B can do is turn on the light.

So, Comstock Public Schools:

What are you offering your teachers?

The ledger is open.

🪶 With receipts and respect,
Lady Budgetdown

Comstock Public Schools

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