Investing in Our Schools: Why the 3.3% Salary Increase Matters

On August 25th, the Centerville Board of Education approved a resolution providing 3.3% salary increases for teachers in 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29. I believe this step is both necessary and long overdue. I’ve followed our district’s finances and collective bargaining history for years and below I outline my thoughts on the new teacher contract. 

A Look Back at the Numbers

 First, let me set the stage for you. Over the past two decades, salary growth for Centerville teachers has not kept pace with the rising cost of living, from 2005 to 2025, negotiated increases averaged less than 1.9% annually. By contrast, the cost of living rose about 2.5% annually over the same period. Teachers endured five years with 0% base increases-three consecutive years from 2011–2014, and again in 2024–2026, when only one-time stipends were provided instead of permanent raises. The result is clear: teacher salaries today don’t stretch as far as they did twenty years ago. You don’t have to be a “math guy” like me to figure that out. 

The New 3.3% Raises

I believe that the newly approved 3.3% increases for 2026- 2029 are significant for several reasons. Districts across Ohio and the nation are facing teacher shortages. Predictable raises help Centerville stay competitive in attracting the best educators. Stronger mid-career salaries help retain our experienced teachers, reducing turnover and creating stability for students. With these raises, long-term salary growth moves closer to 2.1% annually, which is still shy of national cost-of-living increases, but a meaningful step in the right direction. 

Stewardship and Stability

I feel that district administration has worked diligently to manage resources so that Centerville can remain off the ballot for a new operating levy for at least the next four years. In a state where districts like ours receive very limited state funding, this demonstrates a continued commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. It shows that Centerville can balance competitive compensation with fiscal discipline. This also means that financial decision-making for the next few years is critical in retaining that stability. 

Connecting My Perspective to My Platform

As a candidate for the Centerville School Board, I bring both professional financial expertise and years of community involvement. I know how to analyze budgets, ask the right questions, and ensure decisions are sustainable. Just as the administration has modeled responsible stewardship, I want to make sure that tradition continues, so that Centerville remains a district where teachers are supported, students thrive, and taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

The Bottom Line

Centerville’s excellence is rooted in great people: a great community, great parents, and great students. What allows greatness to grow and expand, resulting in the amazing outcomes our district is able to achieve, year after year? Our teachers and staff. By approving 3.3% increases for the next three years, the Board has taken a proactive step to support educators, improve recruitment and retention, and ensure our schools remain a place where our school community continues to thrive-all while staying fiscally responsible. That’s the kind of balance I believe in, and the perspective I will bring as a member of the Centerville Board of Education.