Minutes 04-26-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 Commissioner Price clarified that Tom Forcella is saying teachers would rather have higher salaries than a TA. She asked if this is true in CHCCS. Tom Forcella said he cannot speak for every teacher, and he said the goal is to get closer to the Wake County supplement. He said Teacher Assistants (TAs) are important, but if a teacher cannot afford to pay rent and buy food, the value of the TA drops. Commissioner Price asked if, as it relates to success in the classroom, it is more important for a teacher to have a high salary than a TA. Tom Forcella said he would prefer to have high quality teachers, and to do so, salaries must be competitive. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the budget proposal should be to reduce the number of TAs in order to pay for the increase in the teacher supplement. Tom Forcella said the best possible scenario is a high quality teacher with a TA in the classroom. He said to remain competitive teachers' salaries must be raised. Chair Barrett said CHCCS has larger class sizes in comparison to other districts across the State. He said this is due to there being a TA in the classroom. He said it is a balancing act. Todd LoFrese resumed the presentation: 2016-17 Certified Supplements - chart Salaries, Supplement, and ADVANCE • Teacher pay = 3 components — State base — Local supplement (eventually all at 16%) — ADVANCE differentials beginning 2017-18 • Budget Request for 2016-17: — Fund 16% Supplement — Remain competitive • 2017-18 and beyond: ADVANCE goal is to be cost neutral based on attrition Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the request is to make the supplement 16% across the board, regardless of experience, for new employees. He asked if the BOE approved the Project Advance program on April 7th Todd LoFrese said that vote was to increase the supplement from 12-16% for all new teachers, and for current teachers with zero to 19 years of experience. Commissioner Dorosin said the District has already committed to fund this raise, and asked if the BOCC does not fund the full request, will the BOE find the money somewhere in existing funds, at the expense of other projects. Todd LoFrese said yes, as this is the only way to stay competitive during recruitment season. Commissioner Dorosin said it seems that Wake County still has a graduated model, and asked if the new model in CHCCS will be graduated. Tom Forcella said no, but if the teachers earn the Advance dollars then CHCCS is competitive to Wake County. He said the speed at which teachers earn these dollars will vary. Commissioner Rich asked if teachers in Wake County must earn extra dollars. Tom Forcella said CHCCS teachers will all get 16%, but must earn additional dollars through professional development. Todd LoFrese said Wake County is a longevity-based system.