Minutes - March 24. 2021
Classified Staff Advisory
March 24, 2021
The following individuals were in attendance: Jennifer Haywood, EMS; Maria Johnson, MLA; Xavier Dunlap, GRES; Toni Kellis, CTE; Jennifer Loza, MCHS; Robin Heath, PSES; Cindy Davis, Central Office; Kristy Buchman, MCEC; Penny Brown, CES; Shenelle Green, MGES; Beth Hall, SES; Ella Waddell; WMS. Not present: Tina Woody, TES and Jessica King, MCHS.
Welcome/Celebrations
Dr. Ellis welcomed everyone. He thanked them for attending and expressed his appreciation that the group was finally able to meet in person.
Shenelle Greene shared that Mt. Gilead Elementary is excited to see kindergarten students in the building and being able to put a face with a name!
Supplement Update
Dr. Ellis shared that when he started with MCS, the classified supplement was $50. The Board encouraged Dr. Ellis to do all he can to increase supplements. It has been doubled to $100. Starting next year, it will be $500. The goal, as of now, is to give it at the beginning of the year. The goal was to do all that we can to put any savings from the new school back into the hands of staff. Supplements will be reviewed again next year with the hopes of another increase. Of course, any increase will need to be sustainable for years.
Budget Update
MCS has operated the last two years without a budget from the state since the budget was not approved by the state. We are entering the third year of no budget. It is our hope the legislatures will come together to pass one this year. There have been several budget bills that have been passed that gave state employees a 5% salary increase. This did not include educational staff. We will continue to push for an across-the-board raise for all staff, not just for teachers and principals. There is a huge budget surplus at the state level thanks to taxes from online purchases. While enduring these taxes was painful at the time, it has helped create quite a surplus. We have also received stimulus funds to support schools. Dr. Ellis feels confident about where the district is from a budget standpoint. We have been blessed that no jobs have been cut. It’s time to start rewarding people!
The main thing to remember – the money is there. The one concern to consider is that we will have to watch positions this summer because we are funded by ADM. We lost several students to homeschool this year. This year we were held harmless with the budget and did not receive a cut even though we were down by 130 students. We will have to be strategic with positions if an individual leaves if our ADM does not increase.
At what point with students who are in remote learning are we going to require them to come back? We will continue to allow students to have the option for remote learning. At the April BOE meeting, we will present an option for a Virtual Academy for 6-12 grade students who want to continue with remote learning.
Plan A/Vaccine
We will begin Plan A for all students. It officially starts on April 1, according to the law. April 1 will be a remote day. The Board approved for that day to be a virtual day so that individuals could get their 2nd round of vaccinations. It will begin in person on April 12, 4 days per week with Wednesday serving as a remote day.
Dr. Ellis encouraged anyone who has not received the vaccine to do so, and he encouraged staff to please continue to encourage others to do so as well. We have to continue to wear masks and be vigilant with our safety measures.
Individuals who are vaccinated can still be carriers. For those who are not vaccinated it could still be deadly. The vaccine neutralizes the worst part of COVID- 19. We tried to make it as advantageous to get the shot and to make sure everyone is as safe as possible. We believe there are around 65 to 70% of our employees vaccinated based on anecdotal data we have received from FirstHealth.
Virus Protocols
The CDC, late last week, dropped social distancing requirements from 6 feet to 3 feet for kids. Even though this changed for students, it remains 6 feet for adults and the acceptable distance between teachers and students. Dr. Ellis understands it can be challenging to maintain. In the event that you must be closer, please make sure it is not for a prolonged amount of time and that you continue to wear the mask and do not drop it. Masks must also be worn correctly – over the nose and mouth.
We want to make sure you have everything you need to be safe!
The past year has been challenging and we are extremely appreciative of each of you! The Board of Education wants everyone to know your hard work has not gone unnoticed!