Patti Dozier
June 29, 2009 08:28 pm
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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.
Each board member will evaluate Quigg’s performance.
The evaluation will be the subject of a closed personnel session at the end of a 7 p.m. meeting today at 200 N. Pine Tree Blvd.
Quigg is beginning her third year as superintendent. She also is entering the third year of a three-year contract.
“A combined conclusion will be met, and we’ll discuss contract renewal and whether any changes need to be made in the contract,” Streets explained.
She said that during budget talks earlier this year, board members seemed to be concerned about losing experienced teachers and parapros in the number that were terminated.
“All administrators and directors will have their salaries reduced due to a reduction in work days,” Holland said.
Eleven-month employees will be reduced by five days; 12-month employees will be reduced by seven days.
Individual certified employees will no longer receive the $300 the school system paid annually for dental insurance or the $360 paid in a health insurance supplement.
“The effect of these budget reductions to teachers is a four to six percent decrease in their salary and benefits,” Holland explained. “The effect on administrators and directors is a decrease of six to nine percent in their salaries and benefits.”
Holland said budget reductions consist of the following:
• Normal attrition of personnel — $900,000
• Reduction in force of personnel — $1.7 million
• Elimination of local supplement — $900,000
• Elimination of dental insurance — $250,000
• Elimination of health insurance supplement — $160,000
• Reductions to supplies, textbooks, equipment — $190,000.
Board member Scott Morgan said the superintendent’s work days have been cut by 10 for the upcoming year. “That’s pretty good in days,” Morgan added.
The superintendent’s salary is in line with those of comparable school systems, he said.
Firing teachers and parapros was a “gut-wrenching” experience, Morgan said, adding that the only alternative was to keep the employees and raise taxes.
“I’ve never seen her total package,” said board member Frank Warr. “I’d have to look at it and see the facts.”
Board member Mark NeSmith could not be reached for comment.
Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.
Superintendent salaries of Class AAAA systems with enrollments similar to Thomas County Schools
• Baldwin County — $129,050
• Decatur County — $147,012
• Harris County — $140,380
• Jones County — $147,058
• Lee County — $132,053
• Sumter County — $171,848
• Thomas County — $146,281
•Thomaston-Upson County - $129,937
• Ware County — $141,100
Thomas County Schools local supplements budgeted in FY 2010
• Superintendent — $30,000
• Directors — $6,500 to $8,500
• Principals — $8,000 to $25,000
• Assistant principals — $5,000 to $6,500
• Department heads — $500
• Athletic coaches — $1,000 to $17,400
• Band directors — $2,000 to $12,000
• Academic coaches — $500
• Mass media teacher — $1,500
• School improvement committee members — $250
• Speech teachers — $1,500
• Special education lead teaches — $500
• Parent involvement coordinators — $500
• Technology coaches — $500 to $2,000
• Yearbook coordinator — $500 to $1,500
• Web master at high school — $500
• Bishop Hall teachers — $2,000
• Technology specialists — $1,000 to $2,000
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