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OCN > 2304 > Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, March 20 – Proposed pay schedule introduced

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, March 20 – Proposed pay schedule introduced

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education received detailed information about a proposed pay schedule for the 2023-24 school year and discussed developments in the Portrait of a D38 Graduate and Portrait of a D38 Educator during its March 20 meeting.

Pay schedule discussion

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway introduced a draft pay schedule for the upcoming school year.

Ridgway explained that the Parent and Community Advisory Committee and Staff Collaboration Committee contributed to the development of the schedule by offering suggestions on priorities as the schedule was developed.

The schedule was based on the assumption that the School Finance Act funding for the upcoming year will increase by 8% to $9,800 per pupil. This would result in an increase of $5.1 million to the district, of which $1.5 million would go to Monument Academy and $1 million would be set aside for capital maintenance and improvements.

By seeking efficiencies in spending and taking advantage of attrition among the staff, Ridgway was able to identify a potential additional $1.1 million in savings which could be applied to compensation.

In response to input from the Staff Collaboration Committee (SCC), certain inclusions were added in creating the schedule. These included a program to provide bonuses for longevity, restoration of steps frozen during the pandemic, reduction in the number of professional development days, and cutting costs.

The restoration of the frozen steps has already been achieved. The new schedule includes bonuses for longevity and the addition of health savings accounts to attract new hires. The health savings account would include a contribution from the district. The longevity bonuses would be presented at every five-year anniversary, with all individuals who have been with the district five years or more to receive the first bonus this year in the amount of $250.

New hires will also be given credit for their previous experience at a higher rate than before.

In addition to using funds from attrition, Ridgway proposes to cut back on incentives for new hires in hard-to-fill positions.

Regarding hourly employees, Ridgway explained that the minimum wage increases each year. In an effort to anticipate this, he proposes that the D38 minimum wage be set at $15.

Board Secretary Tiffiney Upchurch expressed disappointment that some of the district’s employees would be compensated at such a low rate.

Ridgway explained that higher-paid staff would receive a lower percentage increase while lower paid staff would receive a higher percentage. He said that teachers would receive an average of 8.82%. While this would not quite reach parity with neighboring districts, it would be a significant improvement.

Upchurch asked whether this model is being used by other districts, and Ridgway said that it is. The board will need to vote to approve the schedule but cannot vote at this time as the level of funding from the state has not been confirmed and may not be available until May.

When asked whether the staff can provide input on the schedule, Ridgway responded that the SCC is the conduit for this feedback.

Superintendent KC Somers added that schools were sharing information from the SCC the day after its last meeting. He said an email would be sent to all staff soon and any responses would be shared with the SCC.

To view the presentation on this subject, go to lewispalmer.org, board of education, boarddocs and choose the date of the meeting.

Ridgway also discussed the district financial audit and other routine financial matters. He said February is the lowest ebb of revenue for the district, as income from taxes does not arrive until mid-March. He assured the board that in case of an emergency expense, funds would be available from sources other than the general fund.

Portrait of a D38 graduate and D38 educator programs

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine introduced Secondary Program Coordinator Jessica McAllister, who presented an update on development of the Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait of an Educator.

This initiative began in August 2021, overseen by two student interns who presided at meetings to seek input in desirable traits for graduates. In addition to speaking at District Accountability Advisory Committee meetings, they spoke with local organizations such as Kiwanis, with alumni and building leaders who held listening sessions, Spanish-speaking families, and industry representatives.

Over 600 data points were collected and divided into themes. In January, data was coded to created prototypes.

Whetstine said the current stage is the final polishing of visualizations in anticipation of creating a new vision statement incorporating these skills into the curriculum.

Upchurch suggested including the various paths available toward graduation such as dual enrollment and internships.

Somers said the district needs to identify what makes us unique by demonstrating what it means to be part of a community.

The graduates were presented as falling into five categories of behavior. The Navigator is agile and confident, the Contributor is engaged and solution oriented, the Connector is empathetic and considerate, the Communicator is empowered, and the Problem-solver works well with others to arrive at solutions.

The Portrait of an Educator is a more recent project, categorizing them as Connectors who develop relationships with students and colleagues, Differentiators who respect individuality and diversity, Professionals who collaborate with colleagues and demonstrate expertise, and Facilitators who listen deeply and foster curiosity and exploration.

For further information and to view the presentation on this subject, please see boarddocs.

Staff recognition

Executive Director of Student Services Rick Frampton and MTSS and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Coordinator Tiffany Brown introduced English Learner Program Translator/Interpreter and Family Liaison Margarita Battaglia and recognized her for her translation expertise and ability to connect with families to help deliver equitable access to education for all.

Above: At the D38 school board meeting March 20, Executive Director of Student Services Rick Frampton and Tiffany Brown, Culturally and Liguistically Diverse Coordinator recognized Maria Battaglia who serves as the Spanish Translator and Interpreter for the district as well as the Family Liaison. While Frampton spoke, Battaglia demonstrated by simultaneously translating what he said to Spanish. Battaglia does all the Spanish translation for the district making sure that everything is clear to the families. Parents also recognized Battaglia with hugs and flowers, noting her connection and commitment to D38 families and saying “Maria is a gift to the district and all that get an opportunity to work with her.” Finally all the parents and students in attendance gathered around Battaglia along with school board members, administrators and colleagues for a group photo. Battaglia is in the center in a long-sleeved green shirt. Photo by Jackie Burhan

Several families in attendance gathered to celebrate Battaglia for her contributions.

Music in our Schools Month

March is Music in our Schools Month sponsored by the National Association for Music Education.

The board passed a resolution acknowledging that music is an important part of a well-rounded education and that Monument demonstrates the importance of quality music education.

Above: On March 20, the D38 school board celebrated Music in Our Schools month with a performance by the Bear Creek Elementary School (BCES) brass trio: Hosanna Kirkbrode – Trumpet, Claire Lidington – Trumpet, and Isabella Thompson – Trombone. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Bear Creek Elementary School band/music teacher Diane Jensen presented a trio of music students who provided a brief performance.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at its Learning Center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting is April 17.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

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