School Board Tours JCHS Construction
Jefferson County School Board touring JCHS construction project
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Jefferson County School Board touring JCHS construction project
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Jefferson County School Board touring JCHS construction project
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Jefferson County School Board touring JCHS construction project
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County School Board met for their Regular Monthly Work Session on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Jefferson County High School.
Preceding the meeting, School Board Members, as well as members of the general public, toured Jefferson County High School to view renovation progress.
Director of Jefferson County Schools, Dr. Charles Edmonds, presented the Board with information regarding the proposed differentiated pay plan for teachers. According to Director Edmonds, Jefferson County Department of Education submitted their preliminary proposal to the State of Tennessee earlier this year and had positive feedback from the State regarding the proposed plan. Jefferson County will receive $374,944 in monies from the State that are slotted for teacher raises as a portion of the State raise structure. Through the differentiated pay plan, 80% of those funds will be allocated according to degree and years of service, with 20% of the funds allocated to merit pay. Teachers that receive a three or better on the evaluation scale will share in approximately $74,000 and the share split will be according to score. Edmonds stated that the majority of Jefferson County teachers score a three or better and that, as of last year, only 23 teachers missed the mark. Though definitive numbers are not yet available, the split will likely be reasonably close to that using last year’s figures, where those scoring a five will receive a one time payment of around $208, a four receiving approximately $138 in a one time payment and threes having a one time check of nearly $70.
Dr. Edmonds stated that, while Jefferson County currently recognizes a Masters + 30 hours on the degree scale, it is not a step that is included in differential pay. Jefferson County will grandfather in the Masters + 30 step for those that are currently receiving that degree level pay, however new hires will not have that degree step and will receive Masters pay until they complete their ED.S or Doctorate.
The Board was informed that Jefferson County will be the recipient of $450,000 in funds outside the BEP, but from the State of Tennessee, to assist in balancing the local salary scale with other, less economically disadvantage counties. This money requires no local match and will be used to smooth the step raises plan that is currently in place, for the eventuality of having a set 2% increase between steps of years of service. Currently, there is a large divide in step increases that occurred when, in years past, no teacher was at a particular year of service when raises were distributed and therefore no raise was assigned to that year. There will also be a significant one step increase for those that have more than 20 years of service.
The Board received information on the Contingency Fund for the Renovation of Jefferson County High School. Initially, a $1,529,185 contingency was in place to address issues that could come up during construction, however a roofing change added a little more than $200,000 to the contingency bringing the dollar amount to $1.7 million dollars. Following the collapse of the roof in a portion of Building 8, it was determined that temporary shoring of the school structure was needed, as well as structural upgrades, and retrofitting was necessary at a total of $516,178. Change orders associated with the Auditorium, including fly space, totaled $265,144. Asbestos removal costs tallied $120,850 and other change orders to address mandated safety precautions totaled $64,869. Changes necessary for computer labs and classrooms, as well as revisions to Pod 4 deducted $26,848 from the contingency. All change orders included, the revised amount of the contingency available to the School Board is currently $567,855. Board Chairman Potts requested that change orders of significance be processed through the School Board.
Concerns regarding the renovation of Building 8 were heard by the Board and a preliminary drawing of the floor plan for Building 8 was available for viewing. David Seal, a teacher in Building 8, addressed the Board regarding concerns that infrastructure needs be incorporated in initial floor plans to avoid additional costs at a later time. Board Member Bradley concurred with Seal’s desire to secure a total estimate that will provide the most cost effective means to provide the best instruction space for students. A rough estimate of the cost to renovate Building 8 will be available in around 4 weeks.
Chairman Potts informed the Board that she and Edmonds will be meeting with an attorney regarding the recent insurance claim for the collapse of a portion of the roof on Building 8. Jefferson County Finance Director Helton stated that there is interest in bidding out the school’s insurance. He also said that he is investigating the possibility of hiring a company to assist with the Affordable Health Care Act and to help employees of the School System determine which health care plan to choose. Helton informed the Board that the Schools are the recipients of the mixed drink tax and that the Board will need to determine how far back it plans to request the tax.
