Minutes - April 17th, 2024
Legislative Updates
Next Wednesday, on the 24th, the General Assembly will reconvene in Raleigh for what's known as the short session, starting at noon. During this session, any bill that was active last year remains so. Unfortunately, there were some unfavorable bills, particularly concerning public schools, like one requiring a larger percentage of funds to go to Charter Schools. We hope these bills remain dormant.
The main focus of this short session is to revisit the budget and related matters. The Speaker of the House mentioned two primary priorities: the Opportunities Scholarship Program, diverting funds from public schools, and reviewing state employee salaries.
Last year's raise was 4%; this year, it's projected to be 3%. However, the budget has enough surplus to double the scholarships and increase the raise without significant impact. The surplus refers to the difference between state spending and revenue from state income tax.
The legislature can't introduce new bills during this session but can revive previously introduced ones. Our primary concern is any negative impact on public education funding. While we were fortunate to receive COVID relief funds, those are dwindling. We used the funds judiciously, bolstering our fund balance for future needs.
Budget Updates
As we begin to scale back spending, we must prioritize essential expenses, including ensuring all employees have a job, that are doing what they are supposed to do and want to be here. Previously, we used funds to offset various costs, but now we must find sustainable solutions.
While there are budgetary concerns at a global level, job security remains intact for those performing well. I've requested additional funding from the County Commissioners to supplement our existing budget, primarily to cover mid-year custodial expenses.
Some part-time positions and substitutes were funded during COVID but may be affected as funding diminishes. Rest assured, job security remains a priority, and any changes will be communicated promptly.
Questions?
- Classified Employees would like to know our classified staff pay scale.
The classified pay schedule is in bands: 0-5 years, 5-10 years, etc. We want to be fair to the largest number of employees. Dr. Ellis wants to do more for his employees, but he wants to be sure everyone has a job with the loss of the COVID money. If you have any questions about your pay scale, please contact Human Resources.
- Bus certification papers need to be followed up with.
Dr. Ellis will speak with transportation and have that conversation.
- What happened to the pro-rating for employees? We are supposed to be getting five years.
Each classified employee is in a year with 5 bands. If any employee has any questions, please contact Human Resources.
- We need to work out something for these field trips because we are about to burn out the custodians who drive morning and afternoon. Our job is lacking for doing the extra. Could every custodian get our job description on paper if possible because we know the basics?
Dr. Ellis has discussed this with the principals and will discuss it again at the principals' meeting. Job descriptions can be provided by Human Resources.
- Why does the Transportation Director, nor his staff, not have their Commercial Drivers License?
Dr. Ellis does not want them to have CDLs. He wants to have an efficient department with maintenance and repairs. This year's bus inspection has been the best since 2017. Every month, there are classes to get people licensed. We need our transportation department to ensure the buses are safe for drivers and students. We will continue to put people through the bus class, but the transportation department must prioritize our school buses' maintenance and safety.
- Is the school growth grant only for certified staff if the school meets growth this year?
The grant is just for certified staff. We originally wrote the grant to include teacher assistants, but the federal government awarded the grant to certified teachers and school administrators. If there is an employee who would like to pursue their teaching license, Montgomery County Schools will provide assistance. We will continue to look for ways to reward our classified staff.
- If classified doesn’t receive a portion of this grant, will retirees who worked this year be paid?
The retirees who worked this year will get the grant money if they are certified employees based on their growth data.
- Does everyone receive the retention bonus in May?
In May, all employees will receive $1,000 for the retention bonus. Part-time employees will be pro-rated.