Mt. Vernon Board of School Trustees Public Hearing

Mrs. Freeman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Freeman called the Public Hearing to order at 6:01 p.m.

Mrs. Walls made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented, Mr. Gray seconded, and the motion carried 3-0.

Mr. Smedley informed the board members that the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation had reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Classroom Teachers' Association. There was a decision to increase the base salary by $2,155 to all members of the bargaining unit with a step on the scale for all eligible members, returning MV teachers who earned either a HE or Effective Rating on their evaluation from the previous year. Therefore, the total Raise for a returning teacher eligible for a step and a raise to the base would be $3,175, a total taise for a new teacher or one at the top of the scale would be $2,155 (raise only; no step), and a total percent raise to the bargaining unit (raise to base + step) would be 6.00%. 

An increase was made to the ECA base by $4,000 making the new ECA base at $34,624). The Mt. Vernon CTA  will cover 50% ($29,562) of the cost of this increase and MVCSC will cover 50% ($29,562) of the cost as well for this adjustment to the ECA base.

It was decided to commit $58,752 (“all-in”) to provide an additional step to as many teachers remaining who are behind on scale who have not received an additional step yet. Any teacher remaining on the list who is behind and has not received a step within the past three years (including this year) will be addressed next year.

Dual Credit Credentialed teachers will receive a 0.14 index of the ECA base (currently $4,847.36). Teachers must be teaching a dual credit course to receive the stipend. Qualifying teachers teaching DC courses for both semesters would earn the whole amount and those teaching one semester would earn half of the amount.

In regards to additional compensation rates outside of contract hours, it was agreed upon $30 per hour for professional development and curriculum writing, $35 per hour for presenting or teaching, there will be a per diem for summer school, teachers will also be compensated for class coverage at $40 an hour when a sub cannot be secured. Preparation time will be completed in full and compensated after regular school hours.

For retirement severance, it was decided to remove the sunset date (end of 2022-23) for retirement severance. A maximum of $7,000 for sick day pay-outs to retirees (that meet the CBA retirement eligibility definition) will be granted. Unused sick days for certified staff members are paid out at $30/day.  The district and the teachers’ association agreed to split the cost to fund this 50/50 moving forward.

In regards to parental leave for care of a newborn child, a teacher, who adopts a newborn child, gives birth to a child, is the father of a newborn child, or is married to the mother who gives birth, will receive up to 8 weeks (40 work days) of paid parental leave following the birth of the child. These paid days may only be used within the first two months following the birth of a child. This benefit is for the child and will be provided in addition to our maternity leave benefit. Teachers may still use sick or personal days to extend their leave. However, the 8-week newborn care benefit and the additional sick or personal days may not exceed a total of 12 weeks (60 weekdays), as permitted under FMLA.

Mrs. Freeman thanked everyone for their hard work and timeliness on reaching an agreement. 

Mr. Gray made a motion to adjourn at 6:15, Mrs. Walls seconded, and motion carried 3.0.