Group of Greene Co teachers discussing credits with the Board

The Greene County School Board discussed several items during its work session earlier this week.

The Greene County Education Association made its initial master contract offer to the Board. The proposal was for a five-percent increase, with the base salary to move up from $32,160 to $33,350. The proposal was to be effective for two years, through the 2021-2022 school year. GCEA informed the Board that insurance deduction plans are high, with $5,000 for a family plan and $2,500 for single plans. When asked if GCEA would prefer an increase in pay or keep benefits, they responded that benefits were more important. 

The Board then presented a counteroffer of freezing the salary base of $32,160, but increasing the steps and lanes within the district’s salary schedule. The total cost would be $105,499 for a 1.32-percent increase. The two committees will begin negotiations. 

Finally, the Board held a discussion on minimum credits required to participate in extracurricular activities. Currently the district requires students that take at least four classes to be considered eligible to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, band, choir, and speech, among others. High School Principal Brian Phillips argued that students and parents should have more flexibility to make more choices and the district should move out of its dictatorship. Special education instructor Chad Morton suggested trying a change and if it helps one student, then it is worth it. 

A committee was previously formed and Superintendent Tim Christensen said they developed seven criteria to tackle this issue, including: wellness, perseverance, citizenship, innovation, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. While no action was taken by the Board, work will continue on the topic.