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More Prep Time; COLA for AST's Approved by Kenosha School Board

Aug. 27, 2025 11:45a

(WGTD)---The Kenosha School Board tackled some thorny issues Tuesday night with near unanimity. 

The board had been taking growing heat over a benefit package for a group of employees known as administrative, supervisory and technical that was greater in some respects than teachers. Criticism also had been raised over an inability by the board to treat high-end administrators differently than lower paid technicians in handing out cost of living increases. The board voted Tuesday night to separate technicians from administrators and begin a discussion on post-employment benefits. The motion was made by Yolanda Adams. "We just want to be fair with all of our employees," she said. "As school board members all groups of employees are important." 

Adams’ motion also included a 2.95% cost of living wage increase for A-S-T’s in line with all other employees. That raise had been delayed while discussions ensued on the related issues. 

The board Tuesday night night also directed administration to increase prep time for teaching staff next year, putting it more in line with other districts in the area. Board member Carl Bryan noted the move was a long time in coming. "This isn't just a 'want' this is essential," he said. "This is exactly what we need to make sure that teachers are prepared and they have the resources they need and that they can be the best possible professional they can be to serve our students." 

Increasing prep time comes with a cost—more than $3 million. That means other areas of the budget may have to be reduced, according to Superintendent Jeff Weiss. 

Also Tuesday night…the discussion continued on options to fund the construction of controlled entrances at the seven schools that don’t have them. For the first time, administration raised the prospect of minimizing the estimated $10 to $12 million impact on the operational budget by tapping into the reserve account.

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