Minutes - January 27, 2016
Classified Staff Meeting
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Those in attendance included: Chris Hadlock, EMHS; Robin Heath, WMHS; Jackie Jackson, EMS; Penny Brown, CES; Delora Mauldin, TES; Donna Morris, CO; Carolyn Vanhoy, SES; Barbie Blake, MGES; LeAnne Coyle, EMS; and Yvonne Dunn, GRES.
Budget Update
Dr. Ellis shared that he has received very little indication from state on what the budget is going to look like. He is confident there will be a salary increase – no idea how much. Projected to spend $200,000 to $400,000 of fund balance this year. If reductions have to be made then hopefully it could be done through attrition. We are not looking to cut any people. The boards and Dr. Ellis’ goal is to always protect people.
Facilities Update
Commissioning a study to look at Early College concept. Should be finished in Feb. Decision and recommendations on the high schools will 1 versus 2 will be made in the next 3 to 4 months. Funds are available to support Early College. Wing is being added at EMS. Will be voted at BOE meeting soon. Plan to break ground on that this summer. Things are moving fast. The county has been very supportive. There is an ongoing maintenance plan, projected for 30 years, which will allow funds to fix needs throughout all of our schools.
Staff Development
What types of training would be beneficial for Classified Staff?
· Testing training K – 2 so teachers have more availability for teaching.
· Computer training – basics, excel, word, email, outlook
· Classroom management
· Ways to integrate technology
· Computer maintenance training
· Office 365
Questions
They want to know why they are clocking out for lunch when they aren't going off campus. Is this consistent with all schools in the county? If you go off campus, you would clock out, but if you have lunch here, are you still clocking out for lunch? It is standard practice. It should be done at all schools. When you clock out for lunch you should be taking your lunch and not working. If you are being asking to work while on your lunch and clocked out or if you are not getting that time please talk with Dr. Ellis.
Bus drivers are concerned about what time they are supposed to come in on a snow day on a 2 hour delay. Dr. Ellis will follow up and clarify.
When school is closed for student and staff – it is closed for 10 month employees. 11 month and 12 month employees are expected to work or must take a day or make it up.
How are things going on redistricting for Green Ridge Elementary? Three options have been presented to the board. We are scheduling a community forum for parents to share their feelings in mid-February.
What are the options of Star Elementary having a Pre-K next year? It could be a possibility. But, the decision cannot be made until applications have been received and the need for site locations is reviewed.