The Excelsior Springs School District is grappling with ongoing challenges in keeping staff salaries competitive, an issue that has become a central concern as district officials plan for the upcoming school year.A comprehensive market analysis conducted by Educational Management Solutions (EMS) has brought into sharp focus how far district wages trail behind neighboring districts, underscoring the need for strategic adjustments in compensation and retention.The EMS study examined job functions across multiple staff categories and found starting wages for classified and administrative staff are significantly below regional market medians. Classified positions, such as custodians, secretaries and paraprofessionals, were found to be 20.6% under market, while administrative roles, including principals and district-level leaders, lagged by 27.8%. Certificated staff, including teachers, were closer to market rates but still fell about 9% short on average.“Our goal ...