Minutes - February 20, 2013
Classified Staff Advisory
Meeting NOTES
February 20, 2013
I. Welcome/Introductions
II. Budget Update
III. Policy Update – Student Uniform & Student Drug Testing
IV. Politics of Education
V. Question and Answer Session
Dr. Ellis welcomed everyone.
Budget – Gov says there will be no new money – no tax increases or fees. From the state standpoint, everything is dependent upon the economy recovering, people spending more, and more tax revenue. Therefore, we will not be getting a lot of relief from the state. Dr. Ellis talked with the county – we need significant work done at the high schools – QSCB has taken care of the short term needs (flooring, roofs, etc.) and some work will be finished during the summer. However, we still have the long range plans (high schools, new wing at East Middle, etc.) Also, we’re working to increase the supplements: certified – 6% and classified 2% -- not sure when that will happen, but we are working on it – it will take $500,000 to do that. We are committed to doing this whenever that time comes. County doesn’t see any significant increase in the county budget – would require a direct tax increase; not likely. If we can attract businesses here, could possibly help increase revenues. This year we will use about $500,000 of fund balance. Without cuts, we can maintain what we have for about two more years. It is has always been Dr. Ellis’ goal to keep employees who are performing to expectation and if they want to work here, we want to have a job for them.
Update on Policies:
Student uniform policy – Based upon feedback, there is no plan to move the uniform policies to other schools. We will continue to require uniforms at middle schools with some changes – to be effective next school year. For example, small logos on shirts and other caveats may be changed to be more accommodating for parents and students.
Student drug test policy – For extracurricular activities only (athletics, clubs, etc.). Will be developing the policy for next school year. It will be a random process. It is common throughout the state. Will be discussing this more at the next community advisory meeting.
Politics of Education – The politics have changed. Due to the majority in place – Gov, House, Senate – 25 new charter schools are opening in the fall, over 140 applications have been submitted. We’re at a very tenuous time for public education. There are still people in our schools who don’t understand that change is going to happen, and we need to be on the cutting edge of those changes. We must be the best choice. Standard six – every teacher has to show that their teaching positively impacts learning. So, using PDSA, is ultimately to help teachers and students. A charter school is opening in Randolph County…If they take 50 children, that is $400,000. So, that is about 3-4 teachers that would lose their jobs. They are proposing to give tax credits, vouchers, etc. for children to go from public schools to private schools – every child that leaves MCS it would be 6800 – 7200 dollars. How many children have to leave for it to affect jobs? We have to be the best choice! And when people make unwise choices, it could cause parents to leave. Therefore, when employees talk negatively about the system, they are basically kissing money goodbye. We need our employees to take pride in their jobs and our school system.
Classified Advisory Questions for 2/20/2013
1. East Montgomery High: I have had one question come to me. Is there any compensation to the bus drivers when they have to get their bus license and also when they have to get them renewed. It cost $90.00 to get them for the first time and $63.00 after 3 years. Could a partial reimbursement be possible? We will look into this. However, with current budget conditions, we probably will not be able to do this at this time.
2. Page Street Elementary: Numerous times throughout the year when various substitute drivers called the bus garage to ask for information on a unfamiliar route their questions were not (or could not) be answered . Questions such as: "When does the route leave?" or "Where is the first stop?" Their concern is there should always be someone at the bus garage that knows the simple basics about each a.m. and p.m. route. We will have conversations with Russ Brown in the bus garage to address these issues.
3. Page Street Elementary: Why are some custodial staff members in other schools not being asked to clean the cafeteria? We need to be doing the same thing in all schools--consistency and fairness go hand in hand. When only one custodian is in the school (if one is out sick), then all of the work falls on the remaining employee. Cafeteria staff is able to call in for substitutes, while custodial staff members cannot be replaced with a sub. This creates a much greater burden on the remaining custodial worker. We just want the work load to be fair in all schools. This is usually a school-level decision and something that needs to be discussed with the principal. However, we will forward this information to Terry Jordan for feedback. Listed below is the response from Terry Jordan: I did a survey with all Child Nutrition Managers and the results indicate the following:
All MCS cafeterias receive assistance from the custodial staff during Breakfast and Lunch as far as helping with cafeteria trash and sweeping and mopping floors. Our Child Nutrition Staff also assists with cleaning duties as each day and assume the responsible alone whenever a custodial staff member is absence. If you would like to see the surveys or have additional questions, please let me know. As far as getting a substitute for a custodian whenever they are absent would not be for me to decide. Hope this helps. Thanks, TJordan