PINEDALE – Resounding applause filled the boardroom in the Sublette County School District No. 1 (SCSD#1) Administration Building following the announcement of compensation changes from board treasurer Chris Nelson last Thursday.

“We want to put together the best plan for the present and future,” Nelson said in his opening remarks. “Our main focus is education for our children. If we don’t keep and maintain good, quality people, … we won’t be successful.”

Nelson then moved into the compensation plan, first announcing that for the 2017-’18 budget year, benefits to full-time employees will remain the same and salary schedules will resume following a X-year freeze. He said district employees will be getting a step next year, and for those who were entitled to a step and were frozen within the last five years will be able to make up to three steps.

Later, he said for those who are topped out on their salary, the district would take the average percentage for the steps to provide a one-time bonus at the end of 2018.

For all full-time employees returning next year, the last check for this fiscal year in June will include a $1,000 bonus.

Nelson told staff the district will do a prorated bonus for part-time employees. If returning for the coming school year, those individuals will receive $1,000 that will be prorated based on full-time employment for part-time staff.

Lastly, Skyline Academy staff will receive a $1,500 stipend each school year going forward.

Staff applauded Nelson, district administrators and board trustees in attendance for their efforts.

“I know it’s been a tough road lately,” Nelson said. “We want to look to the future and maintain the wonderful staff we have that provide a wonderful education to students. We felt this coming year, we needed to do that.”