Warren County School Board Meeting: Salary Scales, Insurance Rates, and Substitute Plan (Part 4)

In this last segment of the Warren County School Board meeting of June 26, 2024, the board discussed several key 2024-2025 school year issues, including approving salary scales, insurance rates, and the substitute plan. The board also addressed concerns raised by board members regarding these agenda items.

Salary Scales Approval

The board reviewed and discussed the proposed salary scales for the 2024-2025 school year, which reflect the increases previously approved for teachers, instructional assistants, and the rest of the staff.

Board member Melanie Salins raised concerns about the trade worker category, noting that it lists increased pay for degrees, but not all trades require a bachelor’s degree. Salins suggested changing the phrasing to reflect certification requirements relevant to those trades.

Dr. Ballenger agreed with that suggestion, acknowledging that trade certification requirements should be more clearly defined. He mentioned that the board had discussed this in cabinet meetings and planned to work with Mr. Helmick to establish these certification requirements for the next year.

A motion was made to approve the 2024-2025 salary scales. The motion was seconded, and the board voted favorably, with all members approving.

Insurance Rates Approval

The board considered three options for the insurance rates for the 2024-2025 plan year. Dr. Ballenger recommended option three, which involves a 7.9% increase in employee premiums.

Board member Salins expressed frustration with the timing and legibility of the uploaded documents, noting that teachers had called her to express their concerns about being unable to review the information.

A motion was made to approve option three for the insurance rate proposals. The motion was seconded, and the board voted favorably, with all members approving, except Salins, who abstained.

Substitute Plan Approval

Board Chair Kristen Pence emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues with staff absences and exploring ways to reduce the reliance on substitutes.

The board discussed the substitute plan for the 2024-2025 school year, which involved renewing the contract with ESS, the current substitute management company. Several board members expressed concerns about the performance and costs associated with ESS.

Board member Tom McFadden highlighted the need to include specific metrics and an on-site presence in the contract. Board Chair Kristen Pence emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues with staff absences and exploring ways to reduce the reliance on substitutes.

Dr. Ballenger and Mr. Jody Lee, Director of Personnel, agreed that the contract should be revised to include:

• Specific performance metrics.
• A clause for an on-site ESS representative.
• Clear guidelines on how substitutes are hired and managed to ensure accountability and efficiency.

The board decided to postpone the approval of the ESS contract until revisions can be made. The revised agreement will be presented at the next meeting for final approval.

The board moved to enter a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters, including the personnel report, the superintendent’s evaluation, and an employee grievance. The board seconded and approved the motion to enter a closed meeting.

Watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26, 2024, in the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.

(Part 4 is covered in the video from 2hr25 to the end.)