Minutes - April 16, 2019
Certified Staff Advisory
April 16, 2019
The following members were present: Stefanie Panzer, WMHS; Jennifer Nance, PSES; Susan Inman, MGES; Heather Beane, MCEC; Heather Gulledge, EMS; Sharon Thompson, CES; Ruby Parsons, MLA; Caitlin Batten, WMS; and Jaclyn Kennedy, GRES. Not present: Teresa Allred, EMHS; Amy Ellington, TES; Danielle Hurley, SES.
Dr. Ellis welcomed all in attendance.
Budget Update
The governor’s budget proposed 1.5% classified and administrators and a 5% increase for teachers. Our budget included a 5% increase for teachers and 2% for classified. There are parts of the budget that are concerning. The cost for health care continues to increase, thus raising the cost of the portion that MCS has to incur. Also increasing is the retirement rate. It has been at 18.7%, and this year the rate has been raised to 20.45%.
The good thing is that NC has the 3rdhighest funding pension plan. It is 97% funded. So, for every 100,000 that is spent in salaries, 20,000 is needed for benefits. We continue to communicate with our legislatures that we have to get this under control. It’s much easier for the state to help with these costs because locally incurring this cost could result in losing a teaching position. We feel that our budget proposal is in a good position for this year, and that most cuts will not be noticed. Our goal is to repurpose some things to help provide better support for teachers. Additionally, the plan is to add back a position to elementary to provide an additional planning period/special for students.
Teacher Supplements
Dr. Ellis is making a request to county commissioners next year for additional funding to support teacher supplements. The goal is to provide a significant increase in the supplement. It had been increased by 10% and the hope is to be able to increase it more than that. Ultimately, the goal is that the supplement will be a percentage of an individual’s salary. Stay tuned for more information after the May board meeting.
Project Updates
Dr. Ellis encouraged everyone to drive by the back-parking lot at MCC. Over the past 3 months they have made great progress on the new high school. This is a very significant project to benefit the students in Montgomery County. There is no better opportunity for our students than this. Dr. Ellis stated that he had to two goals that he has driven home to commissioners – first, the central high school, and an increase in teacher supplement. We are making great strides in both of these areas.
May 1
A teacher has asked if the school system will close on May 1st for the march or if not, how will it be handled if a teacher wants to attend the march on that day? The problem with closing schools is that we have such a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch, which makes it difficult to justify closing. Dr. Ellis does want to support teachers who want to participate. If a teacher wants to go, Dr. Ellis wants you to go!He asks that you use the proper procedures in requesting the day off.
Questions
My school was wondering about the dress code for next year. We know that it is going to be a trial year and that a dress code will be enforced, just not the uniforms, but will that dress code be the one that is in the handbook as of now or will it be revised or more specific. Some teachers here feel it is not specific enough to address some of the issues we suspect will occur.
Dr. Ellis distributed the current student dress code. He encouraged the middle schools to review the code and take to the SIT team for review. Recommendations can be made by the principal to Dr. Lancaster. All changes and the policy need to be publicized and need to be enforced consistently!
Dr. Ellis thanked everyone for serving on this year’s advisory. He commended the group for their good questions throughout the year. He encouraged everyone to enjoy their spring break and to have a good ending to the school year!