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Published: November 6, 2025
STEP 1: REQUEST THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS FROM THE DISTRICT:
- General Fund: General pot of money that accounts for everything that is not specifically earmarked out of another fund.
- Capital Outlay Fund: Fund that accounts for acquiring and updating buildings and equipment.
- Special Education Fund: Fund that is specifically earmarked for special education and cannot be used for anything outside the scope of Special Ed.
- Dollar amount increase in funding from the state of South Dakota.
- Total increase in assessed property tax valuation for the district.
STEP 2: CRUNCH THE NUMBERS
- What percentage of money was allocated to schools statewide?
- This should be the minimum ask for salary increase.
- FY2024 there was a 7% increase in funding statewide.
- What is the total cost of compensation in the fiscal year for all members of the bargaining unit? This includes:
- Salary costs
- Total cost of district contributions to employee medical and dental premiums
- Add 13.65% to district’s contribution to statutory benefits
- What is the cost of a 1% increase in total cost of compensation to all members of the bargaining unit?
- Calculate a 5 year projection
- Track the District’s general fund balance with teacher salary. Has the District given cost of living increases the past five years?
- How much money is currently in your General Fund?
- Ask questions of your business manager on how this money is being spent.
- TAKE NOTES
STEP 3: CRAFT YOUR PROPOSAL!
- Using the information you collected above, craft your proposal
- Reach out to your UniServ for extra support during this process
Pro Tip: The US Department of Labor Consumer Price Index can tell you how much consumer prices have changed over the past year. The cost of living should also impact your salary proposal. Click here to determine how much the cost and prices of items have changed. Find the Living Wage Calculator here.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Speak Up For Students and Public Schools
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