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“The problem I have with a straight percentage is that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer,” said Chairman Frank Lucero at the Navajo County Community College District Governing Board meeting on April 16, as board members and Northland Pioneer College (NPC) staff debated the merits of the proposed wage increase that ended up passing with four in favor and one opposed.
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Dr. Mike Solomonson with the NPC Faculty Association noted that without a better level of compensation, it becomes more difficult to recruit and retain staff. “If we don’t retain faculty, we will experience a higher rate of turnover and it becomes more expensive to the college in terms of time and money.
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“We have to be among the most versatile teachers in the state because we not only teach online and in the classroom; but we also do distance learning,” continued Solomonson. “The five percent salary increase will bring salaries to the midpoint among rural community colleges.”
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While Lucero was all for the five percent raise, his goal was to start the five percent on the low end of the staffing spectrum, “decreasing the percentage as you move up the food chain.”
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“I want to see the money figure,” said Lucero, as he suggested, “Let’s consider five percent for the middle group and kick up the support staff to six percent, while reducing the top level from four to three percent.”
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Chief Business Officer Maderia Ellison noted that putting together the salary increase proposal was a collaborative effort. “The key group at the top, which is about a dozen people will receive less.”
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Lucero pointed out that four percent of $100,000 is still more than five percent of $20,000. “You have to understand that when we get to the top level of the college, they are the highest paid people in Navajo County and I think Mark Vest is number one. We need to address the needs of the people who are doing the grunt work.”
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Board Member Derrick Leslie suggested that the board move on the proposal as presented, saying to Lucero, “Your concerns could be added to future meetings. I don’t think we should hold the staff hostage.”
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Board Member James Matteson said to Lucero, “Your point is well taken, but I would like to propose we approve the five percent salary increase as written.”
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In the end, board members Daniel Peaches, Elias Jouen, Leslie and Matteson voted in favor of the raise, while Lucero voted against, saying, “I wanted the secretaries to know that I tried.”
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