December School Board Meeting Update

1. Public Comment - Ryan Walker spoke to ask the School Board for any input they might have on the Budget Survey the WCEA will be sending out in January.
2. Mr. Sykes gave a presentation on the accomplishments of the Technology Center. Credentials awarded have tripled in the last four years. He gave lots of credit to the teachers. 
3. Dr. James gave an update on the Academic Review process. The state representative has reviewed the data and given preliminary recommendations. There will be follow-up visits in late January and late March.
4. Ms. Cochran talked about fall SOL testing that is underway. She also discussed the implementation of the Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test (ARDT) that middle school students will be taking.
5. Dr. Robinett presented on the new Sick Leave Policy which will only apply to employees hired after January 1, 2014 who will be on the new hybrid VRS plan. For more information read the post on our blog below.
6. Dr. Brannon gave a capital improvement update on the progress at Sheffey and RRMS. At Sheffey the 2nd grade classes have moved into renovated rooms, the gym is open until the concrete can be poured, and the roof will require temperatures in the 40s to install. At RRMS, there has been trouble with the floor contractor, the hallway floors will be replaced once school is out, and the main entrance, and canopy should be ready for use by January 6th. 
7. Dr. Brannon also gave a preliminary budget report. Costs that will be considered in the new budget include: an increase in the School Board's percentage of VRS (cost $600,000); step increase for all employees (cost $300,000); possible increase in health insurance (cost unknown). Enrollment is down slightly, but so is the Local Composite Index so those costs may offset each other. Dr. Brannon also presented the VEA's Salary Buying Power document which shows that the gross and net salaries for WCPS employees have increased at a higher rate than most in the state - many have actually decreased. 

New Sick Leave Policy

We have fielded many questions about the Sick Leave Policy that was presented at the School Board Meeting on Thursday night. Please be aware that this policy only affects those hired after January 1, 2014; therefore, it will not affect anyone currently employed by WCPS. Current employees will be allowed to accumulate sick leave under the current policy.

The reason for the new sick leave policy is that these new employees (hired after Jan. 1, 2014) will be on the new VRS hybrid plan that was passed through the General Assembly. Part of the hybrid plan requires that employers pay for a disability policy for the employees on this plan. This disability policy will cover longterm leave such as employees taking leave after giving birth. Since WCPS will be paying for this disability program for new employees (hired after Jan 1, 2014), employees would be "double dipping" to still be allowed to accumulate unlimited sick leave and get paid for that leave when they retire.

The School Board plans to hear feedback between now and the January meeting when they will vote on the policy. If you have concerns, please contact your Association Representatives, your School Board members, and/or School Board Office personnel.

You can view the proposed policy here. The yellow highlights are the sections that deviate from the sick leave policy for all current employees. If passed, there will be two sick leave policies - the current one that will remain for all current employees and this new one for Hybrid Plan employees (hired after Jan. 1, 2014).