Minutes - April 19, 2016
Classified Staff Meeting
April 19, 2016
Members in attendance included: Jackie Jackson (EMS); Tina Mabe (EMHS); Robin Heath (WMHS); Penny Brown (CES); Yvonne Dunn (GRES); Donna Morris (CO); Barbie Blake (MGES); Delores Mauldin (TES); Beth Hall (SES); and Kay Poole (PSES). Absent: LeAnne Coyle (WMS) and Tremenia Wall (MLA)
Dr. Ellis welcomed those in attendance.
Budget Update
Dr. Ellis provided a budget update. There has been a push for more funding for education. A lot has been said about teachers and a need for raises for them. MCS is preparing for a 2% raise for everyone. We do not know that it will happen, but that is what we are preparing for. Politically, our representatives do not have to give any type of raise because most are running unopposed, and it is not an election year. The unfortunate thing is that funding is based on the fund balance available to assist, however what will be done remains unknown. Superintendents throughout the state are trying to educate the community and representatives that funding for education is needed!
Our biggest issue is the amount of students that we are losing to charter schools. $942,000 is the amount we have lost to charters schools this year. We have had a large number of home school students go to charter schools this year which also affects are funding. Cuts will have to be made to compensate. Our plan is to look at positions. When there are less students attending our schools, then the need for teachers/teachers assistants decreases. We will look at positions as people retire. If you want a position and are doing a good job and performing to expectations, you will continue to have a job.
Montgomery County Commissioners and the county manager are doing a great job, and all that they can to maintain and stabilize the funding that MCS gets.
The 2% bond that was passed by the state will not benefit MCS and K-12 education
Facilities Update
The financial and architectural feasibility study is expected to be completed May 31st. It will determine what can be done with facilities in the future. A 4th wing will be added to East Middle in order to handle the growth that continues on the East side. An early college and advanced CTE center will be built. The question that remains is what will be done with the high schools. The USDA makes available to NC $70 million each year. There is the potential that Montgomery County could receive all $70 million worth of funding. This would allow Montgomery County to construct a central high school. This would be the answer to the issue we are facing to combat charter schools. The loan for the $70 million would be at a 2% interest rate to be paid back over 40 years. If Montgomery County does not receive the full amount, at the very least, the following projects would be completed – east middle wing, early college, and renovations to both high schools.
The group discussed an incentive reward for classified staff.
Questions
How are some noncertified personal allowed to work overtime and acquire so much that they never used annual leave or sick time? Is this the rule for all noncertified? Or just office staff? Others would like to have the opportunity to come in and make up time. All overtime should be approved before worked and taken within the next couple of pay periods. There should be no expectations that individuals are required to work overtime. Time cannot be worked in advance to build up so that annual leave time does not have to be used.
Would like to know when and where the minutes from the meetings are posted? Are they on the county website or are they emailed out? Sometimes the non-certified person cannot attend the meeting so no one knows what questions were asked. We don’t want to keep asking the same questions. They are posted on the website and can be emailed to the group.
Can a classified staff member refuse to drive a bus? (Regular bus route or driver on a field trip) According to policy, classified staff members are dual employees and required to accommodate requests of principals and/or transportation department. Would failure to do likewise not be considered insubordination? No staff members cannot refuse, and yes, it would be considered insubordination.
Would like for the sub bus driving issue to be addressed during the meeting. I spoke with Kevin Lancaster several times and still have no answer to my questions. I would like to know why some of the sub bus drivers receive pay and some get comp time. I also do not understand why we get paid for one or two hours of sub driving and then comp time for the rest of the hours on one check. Ex: I had six hours of driving I got paid for two and comp time for four. This has been an issue since January and I have not had any explanation. There should be a sub list. Dr. Lancaster is meeting with Mitch Taylor to work out the issue concerning pay and comp time. Dr. Ellis will follow up to see where they are in the process.
What are the qualifications to receive the classified/certified person on the month? Nominations come from principals with a brief narrative of why the individual was nominated. The executive cabinet votes based on the narratives submitted. We are open to any suggestions to improve the process.
Hard candy is an issue for students on the bus. Could hard candy no longer be given for students to eat while on the bus? This will be addressed at next principal meeting.
When will parent/public meetings begin concerning the central high school? After the May 31st study is completed.
How will the central high school help/affect employees/curriculum? Ultimately there will be less employees. The central high school would increase the number of students who want to take certain classes that will result in being able to offer face to face classes for things that now are being taught virtually. Sports and club variation could also increase. More extra-curricular activities would also be available. We would be able to expand the CCP program. We hope to be able to retain the kids leaving to charter schools which would bring funding back to our schools.
What happens to current facilities? A plan will have to be devised.
Re-districting for Green Ridge has been voted on. It will remove about 110 kids and send students to Star and Candor.
Last time we talked about supplemental training for staff. Candor expressed interest in training concerning technology, CPR, and health and safety. Other issues raised concerned repairs, particularly AC on the buses. It was becoming a discipline issue for some with having to put the windows down. Dr. Ellis will look into this.