Teacher Pay Scale In Spotlight At School Board Meeting

The Jefferson County School Board met for their Regular Voting Session on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Patriot Academy.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman of the Board Potts. Absent from Roll Call were Board Members Rodgers and Lowery.

Following a Motion from Board Member Cavanah and 2nd from Board Member Vines the Board Approved the Agenda. With a Motion from Board Member Jarnigan and 2nd from Board Member Bradley the Consent Agenda was Approved.

Special Recognition was given to Jefferson County High School teacher Billie Yardley. She was presented with a framed resolution regarding her recent award as Today Show’s Teacher of the Year. Yardley thanked Director of School Edmonds, the Board, current and former students and colleagues for their support.

There were no items for discussion from teachers, students or citizens.

Under Items for Information, Director Edmonds presented financial reports and handouts regarding the recently discussed 2013 Report Card. He informed the Board that Jefferson County Schools had performed well during recent Student Nutrition Inspections. Dr. Edmonds presented the Board with an update on the renovation to Jefferson County High School and Director of Business Affairs, Michael Phagan, stated that students will be using Pod 2 when school begins after Christmas break. He said that the moving process into the Pod has already begun. Director Edmonds informed the Board that there will be a Collaboration Meeting on January 6, 2014 at the Patriot Academy. He also presented a request from the Dandridge Community Trust to partner with the schools in a fall fundraising event in 2014. He will investigate the proposal and return to the Board at a later date.

Under New Business, with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Bradley, the Board Approved one general and one federal budget amendment. The amendments included line item movement for grants and recognition of nearly $100,000 for insurance recovery on the collapsed roof at Jefferson County High School.

The Board Approved the Declaration of Surplus Property in Technology, with a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Bradley.

The Director’s Contract will be an agenda item in January for discussion and possible action concerning a contract extension.

Under Unfinished Business, Policy Changes were Approved on the Second Reading for Policy 3.208 Capital Assets and Facilities Planning (new policy) and 6.309 Zero Tolerance Offenses, with a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Vines.

Director Edmonds informed the Board that the Department of Education has developed a preliminary Differential Pay Plan for Teachers, as required by the State of Tennessee. Under the new guidelines, teacher raises cannot be solely based on advanced degree and longevity and must contain a merit component. The current proposal incorporates a 40-40-20 split of available funds from the State, which may vary from year to year, with merit currently receiving 20%. Under the proposed plan, only teachers receiving a composite of a 3, 4 or 5 would receive merit pay and the division would be tied to the composite score and would come as a one time bonus in the fall. Edmonds stated that, while the largest % of Jefferson County teacher would receive some amount of merit pay, the recent switch to the Common Core could impact composite scores. Edmonds plans to meet with teachers prior to sending information to the State in February for preliminary approval and will seek input at that meeting. The plan must also be presented to the School Board for Approval.

Board Member Cavanah requested information on the insurance situation regarding the roof collapse at Jefferson County High School. Director Edmonds stated that negotiations were ongoing and currently the School System and Insurance Companies are far apart on their numbers. The Insurance Company is seeking to only bring the portion of the building that collapsed up to current code, though other parts of the building may have experienced damage in the collapse. He stated that the School System is working to speed negotiations, while maintaining their position regarding financial responsibility.