CLASSIFIED COUNCIL MINUTES

March 15, 2004

MEMBERS PRESENT: Phyllis Abernathy, Instructional Assistants; Russ Southworth, Maintenance; Fay Isaacs and Patty Reed, Secretarial/Clerical; Marcus Dobbs, Transportation.

ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Elizabeth Simpson and Diana Shoop, Human Resource; and Doug Marshall, Budget.

OLD BUSINESS:

Overschedule/Overtime C.O. Employee: No information at this time. This question was initially presented in May 2003 by the Secretarial Clerical Representative and has been unresolved to date.

Printing Orders: Fay indicated that she had received information on the procedure for printing orders. She felt that the procedure to process the printing purchase orders remains a concern for staff because of budget implications. A suggestion was made that the liquidation/cancellation of the purchase order and the journal entry should occur simultaneously which should eliminate budgetary concerns. Possibility a scheduling routine could be established to improve this procedure. Printing Order Procedures can be found on the Website under Financial Services/Munis Budget Info/Printing Department.

NEW BUSINESS:

Transportation

Marcus asked about the possibility of a "partial payout" of sick leave during school breaks (holidays) for hourly employees to help them financially during a time when they are not earning wages. A limitation of a sick leave balance with additional leave available for use as payout could be one alternative.

Doug felt that this may not be allowable by law since leave time was governed by appropriate leave stipulations. He encouraged employees to take advantage of payroll deductions in a saving account with the credit union which may help them during the break schedules.

Diana suggested that a sick leave incentive option be legally researched as an alternative.

Marcus proposed the possibility of freezing starting salaries for a specific time period to ensure that employees with seniority maintain financial seniority over new hires in the Transportation Department. The budget would be impacted by this salary reduction significantly.

Doug will check with other districts to see if they are utilizing this option and how it affects attracting potential employees in this field.

Freezing the use of sick leave for a specific period (six months) was another option Marcus discussed in regards to helping the budget crisis.

Diana said this may have a definite impact on recruiting employees. Doug felt this should be referred to the Compensation Committee.

Instructional Aides

Phyllis expressed appreciation of the Instruction Aides for the support they have received.

Secretarial/Clerical

Fay asked about the possibility of the district providing more professional development classes for office professionals other than the computer classes. Areas of interest mentioned were communication, office etiquette, school safety.

Diana said the use of district staff as a resource would eliminate the financial cost to the district. Doug suggested that this be referred to Mike Kennedy.

Patty asked about the installation of a panic button in the Human Resources offices as a safety measure. There is one operational button for one side of the building but one is needed for the other side. Doug said the department should submit a work order to Maintenance.

Closing Thoughts

Doug Marshall suggested that we look for new ways to accomplish ordinary tasks which can be cost effective and efficient to reduce the budgetary crisis. We all can make a difference toward improving our district.

The next scheduled meeting is April 26, 2004.

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