School Personnel To Get Raises

Members of the Jasper County School Board on January 25 agreed to salary increases for all Board of Education staff. The certified staff and the classified staff will receive raises. They go into effect on July 1.

The increase is $1,400 to the local salary schedule for all certified employees. That will amount wo a 5.6 percent increase in the local salary schedule for beginning teachers. The amount would equal a 3.75 percent increase for teachers in the local salary schedule with 21 years of experience. It would equal a 3.2 percent increase for teachers in the local salary schedule holding a doctoral degree with 21 years of experience.

Each step would increase $117 per month with the proposal.

For the classified staff, an hourly increase of 90 cents will be added to all steps of the salary schedule. This will allow all starting salaries to begin at or above $10 per hour.

Board members again discussed hiring a school resource officer, and what would be expected of this individual. Board members agreed that getting the right person in the position is imperative. They don’t foresee this person being the school disciplinarian. They discussed the need for such a person,and mentioned fights. Board members agreed more information is necessary.

Board members heard a presentation from Alicia Moore about testing. Jasper County students will take the GMAP field test this spring, along with several other tests.

Early in the meeting, board members heard from Jason Parr who told of the benefit of the Thrift Store to the county, pointing out the donations it makes to various charities. He asked if the board could donate a surplus school bus to the thrift store. Supt. Kenny Garland and board members agreed to look into the feasibility of making the donation.

After a closed session, board members voted on the following personnel changes:

New Hire

Anna Cottingham, custodian, Jasper County High School; Mary Heard, Hannah Crooms, Sierra Whidby, substitute custodians, Jasper County Board of Education; Tasha Hay, Brittany Carr, Weslyn Taylor, substitute teachers, Jasper County Board of Education; Christina Brimberry, Alternative School Instructor, Jasper County Middle School.

Resignation

Ashley Mitchell, substitute custodian and Iesha Nix, custodian.

The next school board meeting is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 15.