Chapter 412 · Caldera Unified School District
Standing over time
Over four years, raises trailed the cost of living by roughly 13%. Members' real pay fell while wages rose on paper.
| Year | State-funded COLA | Passed through |
|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 6.56% | 4.00% |
| 2023–24 | 8.22% | 3.50% |
| 2024–25 | 1.07% | 3.25% |
The state funds districts a cost-of-living adjustment each year. The share that reaches classified salaries is a local choice.
Findings
Chapter 412's fringe contribution ranks 11th of 12 comparable districts. It has not moved in four years.
The district contribution has been frozen since 2021–22 while family health premiums rose by roughly a third. Members are absorbing the difference.
Restore the contribution to $9,750/yr. Costs the district ≈ $1.1M ongoing with no PERS load, versus ≈ $1.7M all-in for the salary ask on the table.
| Rank | District | Contribution / yr |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | District A | $12,250 |
| 02 | District B | $11,600 |
| 03 | District C | $10,900 |
| 04 | District D | $10,300 |
| 05 | District E | $9,900 |
| 06 | District F | $9,700 |
| 07 | District G | $9,260 |
| 08 | District H | $8,600 |
| 09 | District I | $7,800 |
| 10 | District J | $6,950 |
| 11 | Caldera USD — you | $6,012 |
| 12 | District K | $5,600 |
The district's 3.25% offer matches the certificated settlement and the county pattern.
Holding out for 6% against the district's projected deficit risks accelerating layoffs that hit newest classified members first under reverse seniority.
Trade acceptance of the salary pattern for structural wins: fringe restoration carries more per-member value than the gap between 3.25% and 4%.
Longevity here begins at year 10. Eight of twelve districts in your set start paying it by year 7.
Late-start longevity suppresses career earnings for the classified roles with the longest average tenure.
Add a Year 7 step at 2.5%, phased over two contract years to smooth the cost curve.