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Minutes - January 17th, 2024

Budget Updates

 

Everyone will get a three percent raise this year with the state budget approved last year. If tax collections go well this year, the raise may be more. The three percent is guaranteed, tax collections this past year were phenomenal, and the state rainy day fund is plentiful. The money is there for a more significant raise. Continue to communicate with state legislators and representatives.

 

Questions?

 

  1. Would it be possible to return to being able to leave at 3 o'clock in December? We did this a few years ago, and it was like a Christmas gift from the CO.

Dr. Ellis does this for everyone throughout the year. We will revisit this later in the year and see if there is something we can do in December.  

  1. In the future, could we know the night before what we will do for school the next day? Parents expressed frustration towards staff because they didn't realize until the next morning what would happen the next day at school.

We will do everything possible to inform everyone the day before. Information about the plan for the next day will be sent 90% of the time the day before. The 10% is few and far between. 

  1. Why are some of the teacher assistants not made to drive the bus when we all signed the same paper concerning employment? The same bus drivers drive when needed, while the others say no and get away with not driving the bus. 

Please report anyone not fulfilling their duties as assigned. You can do this anonymously by telling your principal or emailing the Director of Marketing and Strategic Communication. Please include who it is and the related school building.

  1. With the bad weather we had on Tuesday, January 9th, and Wednesday, January 10th, why weren't employees informed of releases the night before as other counties did in consideration for their employees?
    *On Tuesday, cafeteria staff were hurrying to get food prepared due to the quick decision of the release, but with notice, preparations could have been made ahead of time. On Wednesday, some bus drivers did not have power but came to drive the bus. Several bus drivers leave the school between 5:25 am and 5:30 am to areas with no light except from the buses. The students would still have received two meals with a delay. 

The forecast constantly changed, making it difficult to call when to release. We will inform everyone the day before 90% of the time. The 10% will be few and far between, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. 

5. Is longevity still available for employees once they reach the ten-year mark?

There is no longevity for teachers, principals, assistant principals, guidance counselors, and nurses. Everyone else will receive longevity. 

6. What year was the cut-off for retirees to get health insurance?

Employees had to have been hired before January 1st, 2021, to be eligible for health insurance after retirement. 

7. Can bus drivers be told that visibility is not optimal?

Yes, this discussion was had, and we will look into this. 

8. Does it matter where we go to get the DOT physical?

We encourage employees to go to the designated DOT health provider for DOT physicals. There is no reimbursement if you choose to go to your own provider.