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Minutes - April 17th, 2024

Legislative Updates

 

The General Assembly reconvenes next Wednesday, April 24th, at noon for the short session. Last year, the long session was dominated by budget discussions. Typically, the short session is smoother and focuses less on new bills, usually amending bills passed in the previous session. However, there's concern about reintroducing problematic bills from last year, particularly those concerning education, like ones favoring charter schools. The hope is for a quiet session, with the main focus being finalizing this year's budget.

 

Last year's budget included a 4% increase for state employees and 3% for teachers, with variations based on individual circumstances. The House Speaker mentioned two key areas of focus: the opportunities scholarship for private schools, which now lacks income limitations, potentially benefiting wealthy families, and state employee salaries. Despite budgetary surplus, concerns remain about funding, especially for essentials like device upgrades for K-5 education.

 

Budget Updates

 

Budget issues are the responsibility of administration, not staff. Efforts are made to maintain job security and benefits, like a retention bonus, but financial challenges persist, such as overspending in certain areas, like propane costs. Cash requests are necessary for budget dispersal, with strict accuracy requirements. Overall, budget discussions are ongoing, with a focus on managing funds effectively amidst various financial considerations. Once again, the primary focus is on maintaining employment for everyone as we exhaust the Covid funds.

 

Questions?

 

  1. What supplements, retention bonuses, etc. will we receive before the year's end? Is there a breakdown of the additional income/checks we will get?

 

Everyone will receive a $1,000 retention bonus in May, The second half of MCS Supplement will come to MCEC in May (different calendar) and everyone else will receive it in June. The state supplemental funding will come in May or June and the TSL Grant will be paid in October or November based off of growth data from this year.

 

 

  1. Will the county be purchasing updated online versions of Letterland next year? Some teachers are buying these pieces themselves.

 

We will continue with Letterland, but it will not be online. ReadyGen will be replaced with a new core that has an online version for phonics. If you have any specific questions or feedback, please contact Terri Absher.

 

 

  1. Why are teacher assistants pulled away from their assigned classroom duties to drive a bus for another grade-level field trip?

 

It is based on necessity. Bus drivers are not plentiful and they have to be pulled when they are needed. As with field trips, that should not be happening often.

 

 

  1. Will additional training, PDs, etc., be provided for newly hired classroom support staff? For example, the "new TA's job duties, expectations, etc. 

 

There should be school-based expectations put in place. Additionally, the instructional facilitator at each school should handle training for newly hired teacher assistants and support staff.