THOMASVILLE — A Thomas County Board of Education member thinks the time might be ripe for taking a new look at local supplements paid to some Thomas County Schools personnel.

Another board member, who considers the supplements payment for jobs being done, is not against the expenditures.

“ ... I do believe we need to cut where we can. Supplements are something we can cut,” said board member Nancy Hiers.

Supplements have been discussed by board members, Hiers said, adding that the panel has been waiting for related information from finance director Joey Holland and Superintendent Dr. Jean Quigg.

“Some things are in place that have been in place for years. It might be time to lay it all out and start all over again,” Hiers said.

Johnny Bannister, board vice chairman, considers local supplements as salaries established by the school board for individual employees.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s payment to somebody for their job,” Bannister said. “It breaks down to the number of hours. You can look at it real quick and tell they’re not doing it for the money.”

“I’m not against any of the supplements,” he added.

Bannister pointed out that the school system has lost $5 million in state funding.

Board member Charles Evans considers it “a shame” that the system fired 35 teachers and parapros, nixed teacher supplements and will not “dip into” other supplements.

Holland said all certified employees, including teachers, coaches, assistant principals, principals, directors and the superintendent, will have their salaries reduced for fiscal 2010 by the local teaching supplement, which ranged from $1,461 to $2,303.

No school system employees will receive raises, with the exception of state-mandated pay hikes for teachers, based on the number of years of teaching experience.

“It’s based on their individual certificates and years of experience,” Holland explained.

Kay Streets, school board chairman, said that within the month, Quigg’s contract will come up for renewal.

“All the board members will have an opportunity to review the contract and proceed at that time,” Streets said.