CLASSIFIED COUNCIL MINUTES

November 20, 2002

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bonnie Kelley and Patty Reed, Secretarial/Clerical; Debbie Bryan and Jo Ann Bright, Custodial; Phyllis Abernathy and Leigh Ann Hogue, Instructional Assistants; Sam Conder, Technology; Russ Southworth and Doug Botkin, Maintenance; Charles Hatton, Operations; Don Harris, Warehouse; H. LaVerne Sallee, Food Service and Carolyn Sparks, Transportation.

ALTERNATES PRESENT: Chiquita Prewitt ESL Assistant; Marcus Dobbs, Transportation and Pete Koutoulas, Technology.

ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Dr. Duane Tennant, Superintendent; Mary Browning, Physical Support Services; Elizabeth Simpson and Diana Marshall-Shoop, Human Resources.

No Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bonnie received a concern regarding a 40-hour secretary in central office receiving approved overtime each week in order to keep this secretary in the department. The question was, why was this allowed if we are not supposed to have overtime hours, especially when it is over the employee's regular 40-hour schedule. Dr. Tennant answered that there are three secretaries in this particular department. The workload now requires extra work time. He said it is more efficient to have someone who knows all the office procedures work additional hours than to hire a part-time person. When asked about the other two secretaries receiving overtime, he said this has not been requested.

Debbie Bryan asked why some custodial staff are being forced to change their regular work schedule to fit events that take place in their buildings such as ballgames, voting, PTA meetings/functions, and dances. She felt that the staff should have a reasonable expectation to work a set schedule. Dr. Tennant said the SBDM council could change custodial hours to suit the school needs, although consideration should be given to the employee.

Jo An Bright asked who is responsible to clean up after pets that are brought into school buildings by staff members and visitors. Dr. Tennant replied that there is an animal policy in place and it should be followed. Whoever brings an animal in the building is responsible for cleaning up after the pet. This is also a liability issue and all schools should have a copy of the animal policy in the school. They should read it and adhere to it.

Carolyn asked whether a driver's assistant transferring to a bus driver position could take all their years of experience to the new position. Liz Simpson replied that they could transfer all the years in this case, since it is the same job classification (transportation). However, in the case of a cross-classification transfer (e.g. Secretarial/Clerical to Instructional Assistant) only half of their employed years with the school system may be transferred.

Don Harris asked why free passes to Fayette County Public Schools athletic events no longer issued to employees as they have been in the past. Dr. Tennant explained that the change of policy resulted from some employees abusing the passes by allowing them to be used by non-school employees.

Leigh Ann stated that she is under the impression that all newly hired assistants will be required to have two years of college. Liz stated that the state is developing a test and she will send a letter to all people affected. Completion of the ABLE test will not satisfy this new requirement.

Bonnie brought up an inquiry concerning the number of years of experience a new employee from another Kentucky school district may bring with them when hired by FCPS. The concern is that only four years of experience is currently permitted to be brought in. Two possible solutions were discussed, but since this issue will be addressed by the Grading Committee, the discussion was tabled. Dr. Tennant pointed out that allowing new employees to bring in their total years of experience could put them on a higher grade than employees who have been in the system for many years.

Debbie asked why only a select group of employees are being randomly drug tested. Dr. Tennant and Mary Browning responded by stating that all drivers in positions requiring a CDL license must be drug tested as well as anyone who drives a Board-owned vehicle.

Jo Ann asked why emergency leave has to be taken in half days as opposed to hours. Dr. Tennant and Diana said it is their understanding that hourly employees may take leave by the hour. Dr. Tennant directed Bonnie to check with Lisa True, payroll supervisor for clarification. (After the meeting, Bonnie did direct this question to Lisa who responded that any leave taken by hourly employees may be taken by the hour since it is earned by the hour. This includes emergency leave, sick leave, personal leave and vacation. )

Don stated there is a need for substitute drivers for couriers and other truck drivers. Transportation uses a substitute driver pool, but this is not available for the warehouse and truck drivers. Mary said that this is a Springhill Drive issue, and that she will get with Grady and have him bring this up at the next staff meeting. She does understand the problem and it will be addressed.

Leigh Ann asked whether a "zero budget" for 2002-03 will result in cuts to extra positions such as PSAs, Art, Music, and PE. Dr. Tennant responded that we always start with a zero budget, meaning that all spending must be justified each year, essentially starting from zero. The new budget is first looked at in January and the second time in May. The new school board will make the final decision on the budget in September/October. In the district budget, the district makes allocations to each school based on a staffing formula which takes into account projected enrollment, but actual staffing decisions are made at the school level by the SBDM council.

Jo Ann asked who is responsible for informing a substitute custodian of his or her duties. Mary said that they are to report directly to the Principal but the duties should be the same as for the regular employee. Mary said the principals would be receiving a handbook in a couple of days which will have this information in it. She also said she would send out a letter with job duties and responsibilities to the principal. Some subs are being asked to do personal things for staff rather than their regular custodial duties. Regular custodians are afraid to ask the principal if the job the sub is doing is what they are there for. Dr. Tennant said he does not want this and he will address it if he knows where the problem is, but that he cannot offer any help if the problem is not brought to someone's attention. Mary suggested that the regular custodian contact operations for checking into the responsibilities and work schedule of a sub. This needs to be done through the chain of command before it can be made corrected.

Bonnie said some employees are inquiring about being able to receive 26 pay checks. In checking with Lisa True she was informed that there is some discussion of having all employees go from 21 or 26 pay dates to 24. When this is finalized she will advise the council.

Bonnie passed out the guidelines for the Classified Council. Since new members on the council are to be in place by now, it was suggested that the members take the guidelines and note any suggested changes and report back to the council at the next meeting in January.

There is no December meeting for the Classified Council.

The next meeting is Tuesday, January, 2003 at 5:30 PM in Conference Room A.

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Last update: 2/20/2004 4:00:52 PM