Idaho Teacher Pay for 2026-27: Some Districts Offer Small Raises, Many Hold Salaries Flat
Teachers across Idaho are heading into the 2026-27 school year with mixed financial news. A handful of districts have finalized modest salary increases, but the majority are holding pay scales steady after the Idaho Legislature approved less than a one percent overall increase in K-12 funding appropriations for the coming fiscal year.
With local union negotiations wrapping up ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start, the picture that has emerged district by district reflects the pressure school administrators and educators face when state funding stays flat while costs for insurance, utilities, and supplies continue to climb.
State Funding Leaves Most Raises Off the Table
Sheila Kessel, chief financial officer for the Boise School District, laid out the situation plainly for trustees at a late-May workshop. The Legislature approved no increases to career ladder cell amounts and no additional classified- or administrative-based funding, she said. The only new money flowing from the state was a 10.8% bump per support unit specifically designated for health insurance funding.
“The Legislature approved less than a 1% increase in overall K-12 funding appropriations,” Kessel told trustees. “There were no increases to the career ladder cell amounts or administrative- or classified-based funding.”
That reality has rippled through district after district. In Pocatello, business operations director Jonathan Balls told trustees on May 21 that the absence of any state increase meant no salary increase was negotiated for certified staff. Teachers there can still advance on the career ladder, but base pay schedules will not change. The district is planning to pursue a supplemental levy in November to address ongoing budget pressure.
For Idaho families and communities watching school budgets closely, the flat funding picture raises questions about teacher retention and recruitment — a concern that could grow more acute if the trend continues. A related federal funding proposal that would phase out the rural education fund has already drawn warnings from district leaders who call those dollars vital.
District-by-District Breakdown
West Ada stands out as the brightest spot in this year’s negotiations. Teachers in the state’s largest district will see an average pay increase of 3.82%, translating to roughly $1,900 to $3,200 more annually. The West Ada Education Association ratified the agreement on May 6 with 79.7% of members in favor, and trustees approved it on May 12. HR Director Renee Senander credited the collaborative work that went into the agreement, though she acknowledged the approval rate was lower than last year — which she attributed to concerns among staff at the top of the salary schedule.
Boise teachers will receive a 0.5% salary increase along with one additional personal leave day. Trustees approved the agreement May 28. Boise Education Association President Tabitha Miller acknowledged the difficult financial environment but said the district found ways to recognize educators. Board Chair Dave Wagers noted the district has historically been able to do more. “Unfortunately, this year is a very small raise of half a percent, but we’re happy to be able to give that,” Wagers said.
Vallivue is offering a 0.25% increase specifically for veteran teachers — amounting to roughly $200 to $300 depending on placement on the salary schedule. Finance Director Dalelyn Allen told trustees the district did not adjust entry-level minimums but wanted to provide at least a small recognition for experienced staff.
Twin Falls teachers will not receive a base salary increase, though employees who have reached the top of the pay scale will receive a 1.3% longevity stipend in December. Trustees approved the agreement May 28.
Lewiston and Jerome both finalized agreements with no salary increases. Jerome’s contract also reduces the number of contract days from 190 to 179. Superintendent Brent Johnson informed staff directly: “Because we received no additional funding from the state for cost-of-living adjustments, salary and hourly rates will remain frozen for the next year.”
What Comes Next
Not all districts have finalized their agreements. Jefferson County tabled a decision on its professional agreement at a May 27 board meeting for further consideration. Bonneville County trustees met late last week to take up their negotiated agreement as well, though details were not yet available.
The broader pattern of flat teacher pay reflects a statewide budget reality that school administrators say leaves them little room to maneuver. With health insurance costs consuming a larger share of available funding and no relief expected from the state until the next legislative session, districts face hard choices heading into fall. Pocatello’s planned levy effort in November will be one to watch as a gauge of community willingness to fill the gaps state appropriations are leaving behind.
For updates on education funding and University of Idaho developments affecting the region, see the latest University of Idaho news coverage.