Operations and Finance Cohort

Thanks to everyone who joined our February 10 Operations & Finance cohort meeting focused on Staffing and Compensation. With many schools finalizing intent-to-return conversations, navigating vacant positions, and preparing staff agreements, this was a timely discussion grounded in both data and practical strategy.

A special thank you to our guest speaker, Sara Taylor, Founder & CEO of Perfect Match Schools, for sharing key findings from the statewide charter compensation study and translating the data into actionable guidance for school leaders.

Key Takeaways
- Compensation is not just a line item - it reflects your school’s philosophy, priorities, and long-term sustainability. Schools are increasingly moving toward transparent, step-based salary systems, which correlate strongly with staff trust and retention.
- Statewide data shows that schools with predictable salary progression and published pay structures report higher staff satisfaction, even when absolute salary levels are modest.
- When competing with districts on salary alone is challenging, schools must clearly articulate what makes them unique. During our discussion, many of you shared in the chat why you personally stay at your school - mission alignment, autonomy, flexibility, community, and culture consistently surfaced as differentiators. Recruitment messaging should elevate those strengths.
- Beyond base salary, schools are innovating with professional development stipends, wellness supports, housing assistance in high-cost regions, and longevity bonuses. Viewing compensation as a total rewards ecosystem — not just base pay — is essential in today’s labor market.

Meeting Resources
Reach University - Sara recommended Reach University as an affordable pathway for paraprofessionals and early-career staff to earn their bachelor’s degree and move toward licensure. With out-of-pocket costs under $75 per month, it can serve as a practical “grow-your-own” strategy for building your internal talent pipeline.

Additional Resources:
- Statewide Compensation Study (full report)
- Invitation to join Sara’s HR Cohort and related HR resources
- Annual Conference sessions - scroll down to Human Resources & Staff to see Sara's sessions
- Slides: Both slide decks and the State of Colorado Compensation Report are posted in the Documents tab

Recording: View Recording
Passcode: UK+56d$*

Next Up
Feb 19 - Business & Operations Networking: Tech & AI in the Back Office
Feb 26 - Operations & Finance Cohort Breakfast at the Annual Conference from 7:45am - 8:30am | Denver Marriott Tech Center - Pikes Peak Room
Mar 10 - Operations & Finance Monthly Meeting: Budget Development

We appreciate your continued engagement in these conversations. If you would like support reviewing salary structures, thinking through recruitment strategy, or pressure-testing budget assumptions related to staffing, please reach out.

Created: February 16, 2026 10:02:36 AM