Minutes - April 22, 2015
Classified Staff Minutes
April 2015
The Classified Staff Advisory meet Wednesday, April 22, 2015. Members present were: Felicia Ward, Central Office; Tremenia Wall, MLA; Teresa Greene, CES; Beth Hall, SES; Melanie Nichols, TES; Jackie Jackson, EMS; Laura Wilson, GRES; Cheryl Johnson, EMHS.
Dr. Ellis welcomed those in attendance.
Budget Update
In the past in February we receive a planning allotment, which provided a good idea of what to expect when funding was received. A new law was passed that changes the way budgets are calculated. There is a major deficit this year, at the state level, which will be covered through fund balance. Ultimately, there is no longer a planning allotment, which makes planning for the coming year a challenge. We are planning as if we are receiving around the same amount of funds that we received last year. Thus we will continue to look at positions. We will continue to do all that we can to protect people. Dr. Ellis presented budget to county commissioners last night, and funds received from the county have been stable. We will receive a $50,000 increase from the county for the coming year. We will also receive a $100,000 to put into a capital fund balance to help upgrade technology provided by the I3 grant when updates are needed.
Facilities Update
There is a lot of talk about one versus two high schools, and either scenario would be supported by the school board if money was available. This also includes an addition of a wing at East Middle School. We continue to have this discussion, however the real issue is that funding is not available at this time to support either option. Redistricting is also a topic that needs to be addressed, specifically at Green Ridge. It could also become an option for the high school due to the influx of students from the middle school, specifically the increase on the east side. As a result, the board has passed a resolution to establish a capital fund. This asks for county commissioners to consider the creation of a capital fund to support our needs. Additional ways to raise funds is by a bond referendum. The general assembly has passed a law that bond referendums have to be proposed during an even year, which greatly decreases our chances of getting a bond passed since these will be major elections years.
Questions/Concerns
CES: I drove bus 144 Wednesday and there was no route information on the bus. The students were not very versed in their version of directions. Until they got on, I had no idea which town I was even going to. I called the bus garage before the students got on, but no one answered. I did not leave a voicemail. I did email Russ the next day, but he didn't respond. However, I just passed the info along, I didn't ask him anything.
Other people at school wanted me to voice this as they have the same frustrations at times. Will be shared with Russ Brown. Additional concerns were expressed about driving a bus included needing more detailed descriptions for routes, and if someone can stand in the back to help with when it’s safe to back up.
SES: Can there be an incentive for TA's and Bus Drivers? (Like the teachers get for perfect attendance.) This has been addressed with principals, and at this time the incentive will only be available for teachers.
How do we keep up with comp time? Dr. Ellis will check with Mitch Taylor on ways to record it. Staff should get time for working over their hours.