Akron School Board approves proposed salary increases

Submitted by Kelli McCaffrey

The June 16 regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Akron School District R-1 began with a work session at 6:30 p.m.  Board members present were: Jessica Filla, president; Nathan Quick, vice president; Megan Bower, treasurer.  Fred Raish, director, joined the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Junior High/High School Principal Shawn Randel reported it was an extremely busy end of month/school year in May with numerous events and activities taking place.  The CTE planning meeting with Ryan Dreitz, Larry Johnson, and Construction in Colorado was held to make plans for the new building trades program, adjustments to the high needs SPED locations for next year are in the process, and teacher evaluations are complete and in RANDA.  Randel noted he was extremely pleased with graduation and continuation, and is looking forward to a great summer.

Elementary Principal Kendra Anderson handed out a data packet that showed the yearly summary of communications through DoJo, DIBELS assessment data, NWEA math and reading data, and highlighted areas where our students have shown huge growth throughout the school year.  She then reviewed the elementary attendance data for the school year and the district was consistently in the 90% attendance rate.  Sharon Daxton-Vorce then presented her final report on the Six-Traits Writing training and how our students and teachers progressed.  She reported our staff did extremely well and she was very impressed with what they have accomplished through the year.

Superintendent Brian Christensen highlighted the director’s reports: Technology – All Chromebooks are in as well as some of the new security cameras.  Counselors – Next year’s class pre-registration is complete and adjustments to the schedule are being made as needed.  Maintenance – Numerous activities took place at the end of the year, which required set up/tear down and deep cleaning for the summer has begun.  Transportation – The fuel and mileage report was included in the packet, and Nancy Groom-Bullard has scheduled a mountain driving training with the drivers next week.  Athletic Director – Changes are being made to the coach’s training/evaluation and the athletic handbook; an additional coach is being added to each middle school sport; and an all-parent sports meeting is being organized for next fall.

In his report, Christensen reported the district has been awarded the BEST Grant for $2.3 million for a full HVAC fix, and he is currently finalizing the RFQ and is putting the ad out for it.  In closing, Christensen commended the FFA students that attended State Convention, the three seniors that participated in the All-State football game, noted the FBLA students will be attending nationals soon, and a few G/T students recently attended the Ultimate Scavenger Hunt.

Bill Dorrenbacher led prayer.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Akron School Elementary music room by president Jessica Filla.  Members present were Jessica Filla, president; Nathan Quick, vice president; Megan Bower, treasurer; and Fred Raish, director.  Andy Molt was absent.

A motion was made by Nathan Quick to amend the agenda by adding the approval of Heather Atwood as a paraprofessional to consent agenda item d.  Fred Raish seconded the motion.  Motion passed.  A motion was made by Nathan Quick to approve the agenda.  Megan Bower seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Items in the consent agenda included minutes from May 10, 2022 work session and regular board meeting; minutes from June 10, 2022 retreat; May bills; financial reports; approve hiring: Hannah Krening, Middle School Social Studies; Jami Furrow, High School Pom Coach; Megan Kautz, 1st Grade Paraprofessional; Payton Swedlund, Kindergarten Paraprofessional; Jaida Baugh, Elementary SPED Paraprofessional; Kelsey Barker, Kindergarten Paraprofessional; and Heather Atwood, Elementary Paraprofessional.  A motion was made by Nathan Quick to approve the consent agenda items.  Megan Bower seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Amy Farmer addressed the board about accountability.

Christensen reported the next BOCES meeting will be in September, but noted he received word that BOCES just received the SAFER Grant, which the district will be a part of.

Filla reported she and Christensen attended the CASB meeting in Fort Morgan and it was very informative.

Kelli McCaffrey discussed the proposed salary increases for the 2022/23 school year.  This includes increasing the beginning teacher salary by $2,750 to $37,000; giving an 8% raise to the classified staff, coaches, bus drivers, and non-salaried employees; and giving the administration a 5.8% raise to the average NE BOCES salaries.  The board agreed by consensus to move this to action item f.

McCaffrey explained the purpose of the budget narrative and how informative it is.  Information she highlighted included: student enrollment and funded pupil count trends, how mill levies are calculated, and staffing needs.  In the 22/23 budget, she noted the proposed salary increases, 6.8% increase in health insurance, 0.5% increase in PERA, 12% increase in multi-coverage insurance, and the receipt of ESSER II/III monies for the HVAC fix.  The remaining adjustments that were included in the remaining funds were previously noted in the first two readings.

Christensen recommended moving the start date for 6th-12th grade students from August 15th to August 16th to allow the staff to attend a training put on by NE BOCES.  The board agreed by consensus to move this to action item g.

Randel recommended the following spring coaches for the 22/23 school year: Greg Clarkson, track; Tyler Pickens, baseball; and Katie Hocheder, girls’ golf.  The board agreed by consensus to move this to action item h.

Action items were as follows: Adopt 2022-23 budget, as presented; reduce the beginning fund balance in the Colorado Preschool Program Fund for expenses and the Trust and Agency Fund for scholarship awards; approve the following budget allocations: General Fund-$7,175,847; CPP Fund-$176,089; Food Service Fund-$249,195; Pupil Activity Fund-$442,000; Bond Redemption Fund-$1,041,580; Capital Reserve Fund-$720,900; and the Trust and Agency Fund-$2,000; approve 22/23 evaluation assurances; approve the 22/23 CASB dues; increase the beginning teacher salary schedule to $37,000, give an 8% increase to all classified staff, coaches, bus drivers and non-salaried employees, and give administration a 5.8% increase to the average NE BOCES salaries; amend the 22/23 calendar start date for 6th-12th grade to August 16 instead of August 15; and approve the following 22/23 spring head coaches: Greg Clarkson, track; Tyler Pickens, baseball; and Katie Hocheder, girls’ golf.

The board approved the first reading of Revised Policies, Regulations, and Exhibits due to changes in federal law, state law, federal guidance, best practices and/ or purposes of clarity: IHCDA (Concurrent Enrollment), IKA (Grading/Assessment Systems), IKC (GPA Calculation/Class Rank Determination), and IKF (Graduation Requirements).

Agenda items for the next meeting include approving the fee schedule and approving classified staff, bus drivers, and extra-duty assignments.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

 

 

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