CLASSIFIED COUNCIL MINUTES

March 17, 2003

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bonnie Kelley and Patty Reed, Secretarial/Clerical; Doug Botkin, and Russ Southworth, Maintenance; Sam Conder, Technology; JD Jones, Law Enforcement; Charles Hatton Sr., Operations; LaVern Sallee, Food Service; Phyllis Abernathy and Leigh Ann Hogue, Instructional/Teacher Assistant; Bob Glass and Carolyn Sparks, Transportation; Don Harris, Warehouse; and Jo Ann Bright, Custodian.

ALTERNATES PRESENT: Chiquita Prewitt, Instructional/Teacher Assistant.

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

OLD BUSINESS

Regarding Bonnie's question about a central office secretary being allowed to work over 40 hours, Dr. Tennant apologized that he had not had time to follow up on this but promised to do so and report back at next meeting.

The Guidelines for Classified Council were updated by adding the extra meeting month of August. Council now meets August through June except for December and July.

NEW BUSINESS

Charlie Hatton presented several pages of employees in opposition of the 24 pay change. These employees were from grounds crew/workers operations food service, secretary, bus drivers, bus monitors, driver assistants, routing clerk, mechanics, shop mechanics & foremen, and warehouse personnel. and others All appeared to be from Springhill Drive location.

Dr. Tennant explained that this procedure is to be implemented as a cost saving measure and to try to save positions. He said that most people do no realize that 80% of our budget goes for salary, leaving 20% for fixed costs. This does not leave much room to try to establish ways to save money that do no affect personnel.

Wayne Smiley answered various questions asked by council members regarding mandatory direct deposit. For the employees who do not have bank accounts, Wayne noted that the bank would hold the money in an account in the employee's name; on payday, the employee may come in and withdraw all of the money for a $2 fee. (Wayne later determined that his initial information was not correct. There would in fact be no charge to the employee.)

Wayne said the changing from a 26-pay cycle to the 24-pay cycle could not be accomplished until July 2004. This will give the district over a year to try to iron out all of the questions and problems. Wayne said he would meet with various people to try to answer questions and get input from those impacted. He also wants to hear concerns and will work with his committee to get as many resolved before the implementation date of July 1, 2004.

Direct deposit was discussed in detail. Wayne explained that this too is a cost saving issue. He is working to help set up ways to have pay deposited in the bank and a procedure for the employee to be able to pick up their money immediately.

As a cost savings procedure, the district will send direct deposit notices electronically to a secured web page. On July 1, 2003, all employees who have access to a computer will access their "advise" (like a check-stub) on the web page. This can be accessed up to three days prior to payday. For the employees who do not have access to a computer, they will receive a hard copy until computer access is established for them.

He also explained that time sheets will still be filled out by the employee and turned in to a designated person in their office/school. That person will post the employee's time directly into the MUNIS payroll module.

Wayne has asked that we bring our questions and concerns to him. He and the Superintendent's Advisory Council will look into all concerns and questions and report back to us.

Bonnie asked Wayne to explain the new policy on employees being paid overtime. He referenced the March 10, 2003 Board Agenda item "Hours of Duty." Hourly employees required to work in excess of forty (40) hours per week will be paid at the rate of 1½ times the regular rate for all hours beyond 40 as provided by the Fair Labor Standards Act for overtime work. Scheduled holidays, approved leaves, sick days, X days, etc. do not count in the accumulations of 40 hours per week. Overtime work must be authorized by the immediate supervisor before it is performed. No hourly paid employee may volunteer as an unpaid worker for any job-related activity.

Bonnie brought up a concern from a school secretary who must disburse medicine to students. The secretary is concerned because of the qualifications needed to be able to administer medicine to students. She indicated that there is a student who receives an injection and even though this is always given by the school nurse, she wondered if this could change and the responsibility be put on school secretaries. Dr. Tennant explained that the school nurse position is one being discussed to be cut. He said if this does happen, that personnel will be trained to do what is needed to be done. He said he realizes the amount of responsibility this puts on the secretary but at this time, we can do nothing about it. At the present time, secretaries need to check prescriptions to be sure the correct medicine is given to the student and do the best they can. If the school nurse position is one that gets eliminated, then appropriate training will have to be given to all who will be responsible for giving medicine.

Carolyn Sparks expressed concern on school buses at M.L. King Academy. Carolyn said that she feels the buses need to be offered security. Dr. Tennant explained this would be a cost item but will check on it and report back to the council at the April meeting.

Carolyn also said there is a big problem at Paul Laurence Dunbar, with kids running in and out between cars. She stated that this is a potential accident waiting to happen. Mary said she will get with Myron and ask him to check in to it.

Dr. Tennant asked that anyone planning on retiring this year, please get the information in as soon as possible because this will help in planning on what positions could be eliminated.

The next Classified Council Meeting will be Monday April 21, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. at Central Office.

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