Minutes - April 16, 2019
Classified Staff Minutes
April 16, 2019
The following members were present: Beth Hall, SES; Toni Kellis, EMHS; Marth Lalor, PSES; Cindy Williams, WMS; Penny Brown, CES; Kristy Buchman, MCEC; Jackie Jackson, EMS; Marie Johnson, MLA; Robin Heath, WMHS; Yvonne Dunn, GRES; Shenelle Green, MGES. Absent: Tina Woody, TES.
Dr. Ellis welcomed all in attendance.
Celebrations
Spring Break starts Friday!
Budget Update
This has been the quietest legislative season in a while. One party has had the super majority for years. This year one party only has a majority. So, the two are having to talk and work through things. There have been very few bills coming down from the school board association, etc. Also, we have not been given a lot of information about the budget. The governor has released his budget. It includes a 5% increase for teachers. Last year classified got a 2% raise which was the largest that had been given in a while. This year, the governor has purposed a 1.5% raise for classified. It is our hope that the legislature will purpose a larger raise. Raises are great, however, if we get a raise that is too big, we cannot sustain it. We have built into our budget a 2% raise. Most people do not account for in the budget that they continue to raise the cost of health care. This is paid out of local funds. Also increasing is the retirement rate. It has been at 18.7%, and this year the rate has been raised to 20.45%. Dr. Ellis along with the Sandhills Regional Superintendent’s Association and the state superintendent’s association have voiced their concerns with this system, and the continued increase. We have the 3rdhighest pension plan in the country, but it’s coming with a cost.
Transportation Update
There has been change in leadership in the transportation department. We ask that everyone be patient with us as we work through the changes. As with any change there are issues from previous leadership that has to be worked out. There continues to be issues with individuals on the sub list that say no when asked to drive. At one point that was considered insubordination and disciplinary action was taken. We understand that subs may have circumstances from time to time that prevent them from being able to drive when called upon. However, we need sub drivers on the list who are willing and able to help. We understand it’s not always a popular thing to have to do. However, we have to get the kids to and from school and need support.
Some drivers wondered if a couple of contract drivers could be hired to do field trips because other jobs are affected.Dr. Ellis said if we can find someone willing to do that, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with them.
Could we offer an incentive for bus drivers?There has been a raise in pay over the last couple of years.
Are they going to continue with the sub list? Dr. Ellis suggestions is to call drivers in and explain the shortage and how to work it out. No processes are set in stone that they couldn’t be discussed in hopes to make improvements.
We want to find a solution that is workable for everyone!
Project Update
Dr. Ellis encouraged everyone to drive through the back-parking lot of MCC to see the new school site. There has been really good weather in the last couple of months and things are moving along nicely. The progress and the buildings are very impressive.
Dr. Ellis explained the benefits the Career and College Promise program has for our students and taking college level courses at MCC. Once the new high school is open the only barrier students have, transportation, to get to MCC to take college courses will be removed. The future goal is to establish a policy that every student will graduate with at least 2 college credits.
Questions
Candor Elementary would like Pre-K to start being able to attend specials. We don’t have a computer teacher, and we would like to have one next and have art cut. If we were ever going to vote on expansion of programs, we would not cut someone’s position, i.e. art. We have talked with principals about adding something to the elementary curriculum and the opportunity for additional specials. We are working on the details and will share once we have the details worked out. Dr. Ellis will talk to Vance Thomas, Pre-K Director, about the possibilities about adding specials to their curriculum. It would have to be approved by the local Pre-K committee.
When the new school is finished can the middle schools utilize the fields at the high school? There has been some discussion about the different facilities. It could be a possibility, specifically at East Middle due to the close proximity. Dr. Ellis will share this with the county as the discussions continue. Hopefully within the next 6 months Dr. Ellis will have any answer.
There will be discussion at the May board meeting about how to disperse trophies and other memorabilia at the high schools.
Dr. Ellis wished everyone a wonderful spring break and finish to the year! He thanked everyone for serving on this year’s committee.