During a budget meeting at the Lincoln Center on Thursday night, the Billings School District 2 board placed a proposed $270,000 salary for Superintendent Dr. Garcia on hold. The motion came after a sizable turnout of parents, teachers, staff and community members who expressed both support and opposition to the 24.4% increase.
Details of the proposal
Dr. Garcia currently earns roughly $217,000 a year under a contract that runs through June 2028. The board’s proposal would have lifted his base salary to $270,000 and added a $20,000 contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan. It also sought to extend the superintendent’s contract to June 2030, citing the need for stability in district leadership.
Community reaction
Several attendees argued that competitive compensation is essential to retain a proven leader. Retired board member Karen Moses praised Garcia’s early actions to raise starting teacher salaries despite inheriting a budget deficit, noting improvements in test scores and graduation rates during his tenure. Moses warned that without a competitive package, the district could lose Garcia to higher‑pay offers elsewhere, which she said have ranged from $325,000 to $400,000 in Texas.
Conversely, Billings administrative assistant Jennifer Leligdowicz voiced concern that the raise would place an undue burden on taxpayers. “It’s not justifiable to have asked taxpayers to pay them much more money,” she said, adding that competitive wages should extend to teachers, support staff and other administrators.
Board decision
After hearing testimony from both sides, the board voted to decline the $270,000 salary request and to return with a more modest compensation package. Board members acknowledged the district’s financial challenges but emphasized the importance of continued investment in education. “It’s tough here. It’s not easy. But we haven’t invested in our schools like we need to,” said Moses.
The board’s next steps include reviewing alternative compensation structures that balance fiscal responsibility with the need to attract and retain top talent. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged as the district works toward a revised proposal.
Implications for Billings schools
The decision underscores the delicate balance school districts must strike between fiscal stewardship and competitive compensation. While the board’s pause may reassure taxpayers concerned about rising costs, it also raises questions about how Billings will remain competitive in attracting qualified administrators in the future.
Stakeholders can expect further public meetings as the district refines its approach. The board has pledged transparency and will keep the community informed of any new proposals.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
