Despite news of gloom and doom from the state, the Holbrook School District Governing Board members approved a pay increase for teachers, administrators and support staff Tuesday evening.
Superintendent Robbie Koerperich had previously noted that there had been no increases for some time, and the changes were necessary both to keep up with inflation and to retain high-quality teachers.
Nine teacher resignations or retirements were accepted by the board at the same meeting.
The salary change includes a 1.5 percent increase to fiscal year 2011 base contract amounts and a $1,000 addition to the flat rate for all fiscal year 2012 contracts. The increase applies to all certified teachers, administrators, support staff and supervisors.
A similar 1.5 percent increase was also approved for all non-exempt support staff members. The increase will apply to hourly rates. Although the district is expected to receive less funding in the coming fiscal year, savings from unfilled vacant positions will help cover the pay increases. Because of decreased state funding in previous years, other funding sources that were once restricted to certain items can now be used for day-to-day operating costs, like salaries.
Executive Secretary Teri Tafoya pointed out that for the past few fiscal years a number of positions have been left vacant. Remaining personnel have taken on additional duties in order to maintain the cost savings from the unfilled positions.
Business Manager Garry McDowell noted prior to the meeting that there will be an impact from state budget cuts, despite the increase in teacher pay.
“Watering down educational opportunities will hurt the Arizona economy in the long run. I believe these latest education budget cuts, forced through by the legislature, are short sighted, especially for rural areas like Holbrook, where attracting and retaining great teachers is especially challenging,” he said. “We have about 12 to 15 teachers who will not be returning this fall. Some are moving to larger communities. Some are leaving Arizona to move to other states that put more emphasis on funding education.”
In other action April 12, the board:
* Approved school calendars for Indian Wells Elementary School for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years.
* Approved special assignment and stipend pay schedules for fiscal year 2012.
* Approved contracts for administrators and certified faculty for fiscal year 2012.
* Approved an agreement with the Navajo County Special Services Consortium for services to students with individual education plans.
* Approved a letter of declaration extending a line of credit with Wells Fargo.
The line of credit is not currently being used, but will remain available if needed.
* Approved a 60-day review of American Legacy’s Arizona Studies and Science Weekly.
* Approved travel by the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) to a national competition.
The next regular school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at the district office in Holbrook.
