On Wednesday, I visited Salem Elementary and provided assistance during carpool at dismissal. On Thursday, I attended the Wake County State of the County Address. You can watch the recording of the State of the County at this link.
This week as a Board, we had two meetings: Work Session and Board Meeting.
At the Tuesday, November 2nd Work Session:
- Paul Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, shared the history and status of the School Mental Health Improvement Plan. To view the presentation, click here.
- Paul Koh and Dr. Muttillo, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, provided an update on the voluntary COVID testing program and the federal mandates regarding staff testing and vaccination status. The Memorandum of Agreement with MAKO Medical will be presented for Board approval on November 16th. I did ask if a pool is positive, do students have the option to have their follow-up tests completed at a facility of their choice. District staff is checking on this and will get back to the Board. Use this link to review the presentation.
- Dr. Muttillo presented the three different compensation recommendations: a one-time employee recognition and retention bonus in the amount of $1,250, an increase to the Certified Staff Salary Schedule in the amount of 1% of the local supplement, and an increase to a $13/hour minimum rate for Noncertified Support Staff. I voiced my concern about not giving all staff pay rate increases. To view the presentation, click here.
Use this link to watch the November 2nd Work Session.
At the Tuesday, November 2nd Board Meeting:
- Superintendent Moore provided an overview of the topics covered in our Work Session: School Mental Health Improvement Plan, COVID Testing Program, and Compensation Recommendations.
- Brian Pittman, Senior Director, High School Programs, presented information about November being National Native American Heritage Month. Dr. Ryan Emanuel, President, Parent Advisory Committee; shared additional information about how we celebrate the cultures, traditions, histories, heritage, and contributions of remarkable Native Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation. The Wake County Public School System annually applies for and receives the Indian Education Grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education. As required by Title VI, this program has an external parent advisory committee. Several students were also introduced including Lawrence Kee, a Senior at Cary High School.
- Elaine Hofmann, Principal at Apex High School, presented the recommendation of naming Apex High School’s field the Kevin E. Todd Field at Cougar Stadium in honor of their former and much beloved soccer coach, Coach Todd. Later in the meeting, Jacqueline Ellis, Chief of Schools, presented this recommendation for Board approval. It was approved by the Board 8-0. To view the precis, click here.
- Dr. Muttillo, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, presented the three compensation recommendations: a one-time employee recognition and retention bonus in the amount of $1,250, an increase to the Certified Staff Salary Schedule in the amount of 1% of the local supplement, and an increase to a $13/hour minimum rate for Noncertified Support Staff. I voiced my concern about how little the certified staff pay increase was and even provided a specific teacher example, which was around a $6/month raise. Additionally, I shared that I was not happy about the $13/hr minimum rate for noncertified staff. To me, it is too little and to leave staff out is not okay. I shared that around 60 noncertified positions have pay rates starting at less than 15/hr, listed some of those positions, and provided specific examples of how it takes some of our noncertified staff anywhere from two to almost three decades to reach $15/hr. I also asked about our sub pay. At our December 7th meeting, Dr. Muttillo will be bringing additional compensation recommendations and recommendations for sub pay. The Board approved all three compensation recommendations 8-0. I did vote in favor because I do not want to deny a pay increase or bonus for our staff even if it is far below the amount needed. I have also asked district leadership to consider allowing staff to work remotely on teacher workdays.
- Paul Koh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, shared the staff recommendation for the mask policy. The policy had been amended by staff to eliminate the outside mask policy for extracurriculars. I did share that I was glad to see the outside mask requirement dropped. I also voiced my support for masks inside at this time as I have at the three previous Board mask votes. Based on the State quarantine guidance, the amount of students that would possibly need to quarantine if exposed, could increase if students are not wearing masks. My goal is to continue to provide in-person instruction to as many students as possible. The Board approved the new mask policy 8-0.
To watch the November 2nd Board Meeting, use this link.
Next week as a Board, we have no scheduled meetings. Our Facilities Committee Meeting has been canceled.
I will be hosting the next D9 Connection Meeting on Monday, November 8th at 7:30 pm. This is an informal meeting for me to listen to you. If you live in D9, have a student in a D9 school, or work in a D9 school, please join us via this Google Meet link.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at kcarter3@wcpss.net.
