Oldham County Board of Education Approves Comprehensive Measures to Improve Staff Recruitment and Retention

The Oldham County Board of Education has approved a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at enhancing staff recruitment and retention, reinforcing the district’s commitment to both its employees and students. These measures are the result of a year-long effort by Superintendent Jason Radford, district leadership, and district workgroups to develop the best possible package for employees while maintaining strong fiscal responsibility. Their efforts culminated in the approval of the following actions, set to take effect on July 1, 2025:

Compensation Enhancements:

• A 5% salary increase for all salaried employees.
• A $2.00/hour increase for all hourly employees. 
• Extension of all salary schedules (certified and classified) to 33 years.
• Adjustment of the teacher certified salary schedule, shifting the current structure forward by four years to better align experience levels with compensation. 
• A $250 increase to all club and extracurricular stipends. 
• Staff in designated hard-to-fill special needs classrooms (Functional Academic, Communication and Behavior, and Positive Behavior Support) will receive stipends of $7,000 (certified staff) and $3,500 (classified staff) paid over 24 pay periods. 
• Nurses will transition to a more competitive salary schedule. 
• Bus monitors' hourly contracts will increase from 4 hours per day to 6 hours per day. 

Staffing and Work Environment Improvements:

• Maintaining current staffing ratios for the 2025-2026 school year:
  • K-5: 23.20:1
  • 6-8: 23.65:1
  • 9-12: 23.90:1
• Continuation of the existing Staff Work Day structure, ensuring time for professional development and planning.
• Addition of one staff member at each middle school to support a new “Passion to Pathway” course, along with new instructional materials.
• Expansion of Gateway staffing from 1.3 full-time staff members to 2.0 full-time staff members to better meet student needs.

Direct Investments in Schools and Students:

• Each K-12 school will receive $100 per student in restricted funds to support student technology needs first, then staff needs.
• Schools will receive $100 per student identified for free/reduced lunch to provide resources that reduce barriers to learning, such as intervention programs, instructional materials, and stipends for extra instructional time.
• A $40 per student reduction in school fees for parents for the 2025/2026 school year, fully funded by the Board of Education.

“These initiatives reflect our commitment to attracting and retaining the best educators and staff while ensuring our students continue to receive high-quality education,” said Dr. Jason Radford. “Our leadership team and workgroups have spent countless hours evaluating data, engaging stakeholders, and crafting a package that not only supports our staff but also strengthens our entire school community.”

Over the past several years, district leaders have worked to refine plans that prioritize employee well-being and district sustainability. In addition to salary increases (now at 17% from 2021-2025 for salaried employees and $4/hour for hourly) and stipends, previously approved initiatives include six weeks paid parental leave, increased pay for substitute teachers, and the installation of TYTO Healthcare Clinics on campus for employees and their families, to name a few.

Oldham County Schools recognizes that competitive compensation, sustainable staffing models, and investments in students and schools are essential to maintaining a thriving district. By approving these measures, the board affirms its dedication to a supportive and rewarding work environment for all employees. These measures are possible due to conservative budgeting and positive support from the Kentucky General Assembly.