GENTRY -- Classified personnel in the Gentry School District won't be getting that proposed raise just yet.
According to unapproved meeting notes of the June 13 meeting of Gentry School Board, Terrie Metz, superintendent of Gentry Public Schools, asked to withdraw a draft salary schedule she submitted at a special meeting on May 23 because the district might not be able to afford the proposal.
Due to changes in Arkansas minimum wage law, the district is required to raise the salaries of some of its classified employees. As a result, Metz was hoping to be able to raise the salaries of all classified personnel proportionately but said she would have to withdraw that proposal and recommend only the required increases due to the change in minimum wage requirements and put other increases on hold.
Metz said the minimum wage would increase again next year, making it necessary to once again revisit the classified employee salary schedule. She said she was committed to improving the certified salary schedule, as well.
The board adopted a classified salary schedule which only raised salaries where required in order to meet the new minimum wage.
On Nov. 6, 2018, Arkansas voters passed Issue 5 to increase the state minimum wage over three years. The Arkansas minimum wage went up from $8.50, per hour to $9.25 on Jan. 1. It will go up to $10 on Jan. 1, 2020, and to $11 per hour on Jan. 1, 2021. All employers with four or more employees in Arkansas are required to abide by the law. However, the law does not affect Arkansas's tip credit requirements.
As a result of the May school board election in which Melissa Holland unseated incumbent Coye Cripps on the board, the board also reorganized on June 13, with David Williamson chosen as president, Randall Bolinger as vice president and primary disbursement officer. Jim Barnes was chosen to be the secondary disbursement officer. Metz was again appointed as the ex officio financial officer for the district.
The board approved the resignation of Sheila Still as an aide at the high school and hired Joseph Ferrara as a Step One custodian and Misty Guinn as a Step One cafeteria worker. The following contract duty changes were approved: Robert Savage -- removal of transportation helper duties; Patrick Shimer -- removal of contracted shuttle duties; and Kelli Philpott -- removal of contracted shuttle duties. The contract adjustments for Philpott, Shimer and Savage were not lowered by any fault of theirs; they had been adjusted to allow them to be eligible for insurance but changes in the law make that no longer necessary. The board also granted a leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Jason Barrett, transportation and facilities manager, reported that the district would be receiving two local students as workers through Arkansas Workforce. He also provided updates on school projects, including the installation of new lighting at the football stadium.
Board member Jim Barnes asked if the lights could be installed without digging up the football field, and Barrett said the old conduit had been buried at a depth of 5 feet and that the old wiring would likely not need to be replaced under the field.
The board agreed to skip a meeting in July unless a special meeting is called.
Board members voiced their appreciation of Coye Cripps and his lengthy service on the board. The board will officially recognize Cripps at its August meeting.
Jim Barnes commended the Gentry Odyssey of the Mind team which recently placed eighth in world competition.
New board member Melissa Holland suggested the board meet earlier, but other board members stated an earlier meeting time would make it impossible for them to make the meetings due to their work and business schedules.
General News on 06/26/2019