MIRANDA JAMISON Teachers, support staff and administrators in the Richmond R-XVI School District will receive pay increases after board members approved updated compensation plans. The Board of Education approved the compensation package during a recent meeting as district leaders said the increases are aimed at keeping pay competitive and supporting employee retention. The package raises the district’s certified base salary from $40,200 to $41,000, while classified salary schedules were increased by 50 cents per hour and administrative salaries were approved with a 2% increase for the 2026-27 school year. Coaching and activity stipends tied to the certified base salary were also approved as part of the overall compensation plan. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Copple noted the approved compensation package reflects ongoing efforts to position Richmond well in a competitive hiring market. “We’re looking at trying to stay competitive around us as best we can. We want to continue to…