Classified Salary Information

There were several objectives of the salary study that was started during the 2023-24 school year:

• Use the salary schedule to recognize longevity of current staff on an annual basis
  • This will be completed with range (letters A – T) movement from year to year
• Begin reviewing positions in our district compared to the market
  • Results on the first few position reviews were positive, showing that KCKPS is generally very competitive in the areas reviewed
• Simplify and consolidate from multiple classified schedules to one overall schedule

Position are placed on Levels, then staff are placed on Ranges on the level of the position they hold.  

Until Classified Salary Letters are sent, you will be able to find the level on which your position falls. Here’s how:

• Find your position on the Position Levels Guide and note the Salary Schedule and Level (numbers 1 – 26) for your position.
• Go to the appropriate Salary Schedule and find your Position Level (number 1 – 26).
• Your Position Level (number 1 – 26) indicates where your position is placed and your pay will fall on a range (letters A – T) within that row.

Once Classified Salary letter are sent through TalentEd:

• Letters will include your Pay Rate (hourly for non-exempt staff, annual for exempt staff), Salary Schedule, Level (numbers 1 – 26), and Range (letters A – T).
• The Level and Range will correspond with the both the Position Levels Guide and the appropriate Classified Wage Schedule
• Classified Salary Letters may be sent in groups – staff whose pay year is July – June may receive their letters prior to those whose pay year is August – July.

1. The board approved 5% increase to the classified salary pool. What does that mean?
   • In the past, the increase has been applied to all staff in the same way, meaning all staff received a 5% increase when that was what was approved. This created situations where staff did not move through ranges (letters A – T), earning range movement for years worked.
   • To place staff on the new classified salary schedule, which will allow staff to move through the ranges, we needed to use some of the 5% just to place staff on the new schedule.
   • This means not all staff will see a 5% increase between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
   • Increases in future years will be applied to the group of classified staff more consistently now that we have a schedule in place that allows for a process to be followed when applying salary increases. See answer to question # 7 for more detail.
2. How do I know where on the schedule I will be placed?
   • Until Classified Salary Letters are sent, you will be able to find the level on which your position falls. Here’s how:
     • Find your position on the Position Levels Guide and note the Salary Schedule and Level (numbers 1 – 26) for your position.
     • Go to the appropriate Salary Schedule and find your Position Level (number 1 – 26).
     • Your Position Level (number 1 – 26) indicates where your position is placed and your pay will fall on a range (letters A – T) within that row.
   • Once Classified Salary letter are sent through TalentEd:
     • Letters will include your Pay Rate (hourly for non-exempt staff, annual for exempt staff), Salary Schedule, Level (numbers 1 – 26), and Range (letters A – T).
     • The Level and Range will correspond with the both the Position Levels Guide and the appropriate Classified Wage Schedule.
     • Classified Salary Letters may be sent in groups – staff whose pay year is July – June may receive their letters prior to those whose pay year is August – July.
3. My position is not on the list.
   • Some position titles were simplified or consolidated for ease of use of the Position Level Guide. Look for a position title that is similar to yours until Classified Salary Letters are sent. Once you receive your letter, your position title will be listed on the letter, allowing you to find your specific placement.
4. Should my range (letters A – T) match my years of experience?
   • While the range will be used to place new staff going forward based on their years of relevant experience, range placement for current staff transferring to the new schedule does not specifically relate to longevity with the district or years of relevant experience. Meaning each range letter does not equal one year of relevant experience or one year of longevity.
5. What was the process for placing staff on the new schedule?
   • Several steps were followed, starting with a schedule that used the 2023-24 starting wages:
   • Positions were placed at levels (numbers 1 - 26) based on job functions and competencies. Positions with higher levels of complexity, responsibility, consequence of error, and/or physical requirements will be placed at higher levels with higher starting wages.
   • Within the level of each staff member’s position, staff were placed on the range (letters A – T) that was closest to their current wage without a decrease in pay. Since the new columns intentionally do not align exactly with our previous schedule, this step provides varying increases to staff.
     • While the range will be used to place new staff going forward based on their years of relevant experience, range placement for current staff transferring to the new schedule does not specifically relate to longevity with the district or years of relevant experience. Meaning each range letter does not equal one year of relevant experience or one year of longevity.
     • Some staff are ‘off schedule’. This means their current wage is above the highest range for their position level. They will not receive a decrease in pay, but their increases will look different than those that are not ‘off schedule’.
   • Staff were then moved one range to the right, which provides a 1.5% increase. Only returning staff receive the range movement from year to year, which does recognize continued service with the district, separating starting wages from current staff wages.
     • Those originally placed in range T have no movement applied because they are at the max range. They will see an increase later in the process.
     • Those originally placed ‘off schedule’ will also not see range movement since they are not on the schedule at all. They will see an increase later in the process.
   • The base wage was increased as much as possible while still remaining within the 5% wage increase to the pool. All staff receive the benefit of the base wage increase, even those on range T and those ‘off schedule’. Increasing the base wage is helpful for recruiting new staff as well as boosting wages for current staff.
6. When will I see my new wage reflected on my check?
   • July 15 payroll for staff whose pay year is July – August
     • This includes all staff that work more than 196 days per year
   • August 15 for staff whose pay year is August – July
     • This includes all 186-day staff and 196-day staff
7. Will all classified staff receive different increases in future years?
   • Going forward, wage increases will be applied, as available, in two parts: 1) range movement for returning staff, which equates to a 1.5% increase, if available; and 2) base wage increase, which will vary based on the overall percentage the board approves to be applied to the classified salary pool.
   • This new system will recognize years of service with the district, while also maintaining a competitive base wage, as is available based on funding.
   • In future years, all staff will receive the same increase except those on range T and those ‘off schedule’, who will only receive the base wage increase.
8. I previously requested a wage review or I do not feel my placement is accurate. What do I do now?
   • In the fall, after all staff have had a chance to view their salary letter, which includes their placement, there will be a time to submit appeals. Appeals can be submitted if you feel your placement is inaccurate based on your position level and the job functions you complete.
   • Appeals will not be approved for those who feel their range placement is inaccurate. Remember: while range placement will recognize longevity and/or relevant experience going forward, that is not how current staff were placed in ranges initially on the new schedule. Staff will not see range movement through the appeal process.
9. Will I still receive longevity payments on an annual basis if I have been with the district for more than 5 years?
   • Yes, longevity payments will still be paid out based on hire date and years of service with the district.
10. What does CNT PAY mean on my check stub?
    • CNT PAY is your pay that is spread evenly throughout the year. HR figures your annual salary based on the schedule you are expected to work and divides it by 24 pay periods to get to your CNT PAY.
11. How do I figure my hourly rate from my CNT PAY?
    • To figure your hourly rate from your CNT PAY, multiply the CNT PAY from your check stub times the number of pay periods (24, or fewer if late start), which equals your annual salary.
    • Take the annual salary divided by the days worked in the year and then divide again by the hours per day to get the hourly rate. Here’s an example:

Instructional Aide at Level 4, Range B

CNT Pay to Annual Salary

Annual Salary to Hourly Rate