Minutes - January 25, 2012
Certified Staff Advisory
Meeting Minutes Meeting
Questions and Answers - January 25, 2012
Dr. Ellis began the meeting by answering questions submitted by Certified Staff Advisory members.
Question 1:
Will MCS make sure that a school calendar makes its way to all local daycares so that they can align their schedules with ours? This year the daycares did not have a chance to align their schedule with ours because it came out so late. Many teachers put their own children in daycare and need their schedules to match. This is particularly true if children are in daycares that offer Pre-K.
Answer to Question 1:
Yes. We will make sure all daycares/preschools have the approved 2012-13 school calendar.
Question 2:
I have received a question/clarification request concerning the "first reading" of the proposed Social Media section that will be added to the Personnel Policy.
Some teachers communicate with their students on Facebook concerning assignments, club or sports activities. They want to know if this does pass could they set up an account and name it "ClassFrieary" (for example) would that be acceptable? And only use it for school purposes?
We all understand how important it is to maintain the safety of the students we teach and safeguard our own selves so that problems don't arise. Those of us that utilize these technology tools correctly don't want to be penalized for those that don't.
***I read over this new policy section and noticed it not only covers Facebook but Wikis, blogs, and any type of internet tool. Therefore, I was wondering for my wiki page that I created last year for my students and extended this year to the entire 7th grade student body, will I need written permission from Dr. Ellis to continue to offer this? I currently pay $100 every year to offer this tool to our students so they can store, upload, and view their assignments for any of their teachers.
Answer to Questions 2:
Any outside technological tool (i.e. not controlled by the district) that is used for school purposes would need written permission. I will grant that permission as long as it is clearly designated for class use as outlined by Amy (FrieryEMS, etc.). This policy is not meant to prevent people from using it…it is meant to prevent people from PERSONAL communication with students one on one. Class blasts with homework assignments, practice schedules, tutoring schedules etc. are perfectly fine.
Question 3:
Some teachers want clarification on the new CEU renewal amounts. Some of the teachers knew the total had changed to 7.5 CEUs but they are still not sure what the break down is. How many are needed for Reading, Technology.....etc?
Answer to Question 3:
|
STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR A RENEWAL 5-YEAR CYCLE (Continuing License/Standard Professional II) |
The License Renewal Process is subject to change based upon Dept. of Public Instruction policy revisions. |
Will try to use PLCs to make sure everyone gets credit for what they are doing.
Additional questions answered during meeting:
1. Could we consider running a half day when we do exams? Take it to executive cabinet for consideration. Yes, it will be discussed.
2. Has the new cell phone policy been adopted, if not when, and how will it be enforced? Yes, started with second semester. Officially becomes board policy on February 6. It’s in effect as administrative directive. Just like any other policy, if you see it, give warning, classroom procedures on up to reporting to principal. Principal is aware of the exceptions – distance learning students.
3. Where do we stand as a county on receiving our pay on 12 months, has this been reconsidered? If this is a widespread issue, we’ll look at it. Can’t change the way we pay 500 people because of wants/desires of 4-5 people. If a significant amount of folks request it, we’ll look at it. Talk to colleagues. If it is an issue, let Dr. Ellis know. Summer cash has worked for the last few years. Summer cash gives more options and control over your money. Get interest. Can get money whenever you want it.
4. Will we continue to deduct NCAE dues for the rest if the school year, and if the government says we cannot, how will the rest of our dues be paid? As of right now, there is an injunction that allows dues to be payroll deducted through mid-March. There is an electronic bank transfer link on the NCAE website for those who want to go that route. We will continue to deduct NCAE dues from payroll until we hear something different.
5. Stanly County is paying their employees every 2 weeks to help ease the 3 months without pay. Their first check will be for 5 days and checks after that are bi-monthly on the 15th and 30th. Why can't we do that? According to our finance officer, it doesn’t seem feasible. Too many issues with this process as it relates to deductions and paying people accurately. Some people would not be able to cover deductions with 2 weeks payment.
6. Why was there only one option for the 180 day calendar? Why were different options not presented to the schools for input before the board voted? Why were the schools not allowed to have input? Is 1 week and 2 days enough of a break for the children? Schools had input through calendar committee and it was online to preview before it was approved by the Board. The calendar representatives from each school should share information with school staff members about the proposed calendars.
After giving answers to questions that were submitted prior to the meeting, Dr. Ellis updated Certified Staff Advisory members on the following:
Budget Update Process:
Budget committee meets on Friday at 10:30am.
We’re going to do our best to save jobs through attrition – resignations or retirement. Certain positions have to be filled. Will only fill essential positions. Middle and high schools – will be looking closely at numbers. Will require flexibility. Can’t make promises this year, but priority 1 is the maintenance of all jobs for those that:
1. Want to be here
2. Perform at or above expectations
3. Comply with board policies and legal regulations
10-Month Employee Pay Issue:
As you all are aware effective July 1, 2012, due to the pending changes in General Statute 115c-302.1 (b) we can no longer prepay employees. Many of you have asked how we will handle the insurance deductions since 10 month employees will not be receiving a check in August. To avoid causing undo hardships on the 10 month employees Montgomery County Schools will upfront the cost of insurance premiums for August. All annual insurance deductions will be prorated over 10 months for all 10 and 11 month employees. The insurance deductions will be made September through June for 2012-2013. For 10 month employees their first pay date would be on September 20th.
Inappropriate relationships:
Dr. Ellis reviewed the policy on inappropriate relationships (Policy4040/7310). Direct personal communication should be through district devices. Our goal is to protect employees and students.
Dr. Ellis also briefly discussed new policies presented to the Board for first reading in January:
-Policy Code 4318 - Use of Wireless Communication Devices
-Policy Code 7305 - Staff Use of Wireless Communication Devices
-Policy Code 7335 - Employee Use of Social Media
We will send out correspondence to employees after the policies are officially approved. Staff cell phone policy – cell phones shouldn’t be used during instruction unless it is a part of instruction. Should be approved by principal. Can still use it to contact parents during the school day.
With no more questions or comments, the meeting was adjourned.