WCEA Employee Survey

The annual WCEA Employee Survey has been distributed. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and opinions. It is an anonymous survey. The collective results will be shared with the School Board during their meeting on February 6th.

January SB Meeting Update

Public Comment - Ryan Walker, WCEA co-president, spoke to the board to provide feedback on the new sick leave policy. He stated that overall support for the plan was positive when explained that it would only apply to new employees (hired after Jan. 1, 2014). He also brought up concerns with the removal of the privilege to transfer sick leave days. He also mentioned that he did not get feedback on the new additions to the policy - (#8) leave may be used in hourly increments and (#10) employees may not transfer sick leave days from another school division. Read the new policy here.
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Dr. Poole gave updates on Capital Improvement projects at RRMS:

• Many things were accomplished/fixed over the break.
• Logo at entrance was fixed, 
• Office tiles were worked on, but not completed (more work in summer)
• Entrance is close to complete
• Windows are complete (cafeteria windows to be in summer)
• Plumbing issues in 6th/7th hallways are being investigated
• Canopy was re-subcontracted out to fix substandard work

Dr. Poole gave updates on Capital Improvement projects at Sheffey: 

• Block is laid for gym/community center
• Workers are making progress on completely disconnecting boiler from room heaters
• Window installation has begun
• Restrooms rough-ins in the lower end are nearing completion
• Ramps were demolished, removed, and re-poured during break

Dr. Poole was asked about any effects from the cold weather. He reported there were frozen lines in a couple locations, but no burst pipes. Thanks was given to the work the mechanics, maintenance department and custodians did to prepare and maintain equipment and facilities during the extreme cold.

Dr. Brannon mentioned the Board of Supervisors interest in touring Sheffey and RRMS.
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Dr. James presented many of the positive outcomes of the Hybrid Block schedule. Positives at the high school level include:

• Extended class times for math and English
• Science teachers using time to integrate new technologies
• PE using blocks to better facilitate behind-the-wheel requirements
• Special Ed teachers using extended time to better collaborate and provide services

At the middle school level:

• 6th grade teachers report the transition from elementary to middle and to the new schedule has gone smoothly
• SMMS Math teachers are very appreciative of the double-block classes
• SOL scores that have been completed have shown improvement
• Students that failed World Geography SOL in the fall will be able to retake the SOL in the spring

At the elementary school level many unique and creative opportunities have been implemented with the extended learning time.

Dr. James also described what's being explored for next year's schedule. A survey to secondary teachers was sent out to get feedback on the Hybrid Block and possibly transitioning to a full 4x4 block. Middle school principals are exploring ways to become more independent from high schools with scheduling.

Dr. James also spoke about the calendar for 2014-15. One of the goals will be for the first semester to end in December to end block classes and SOL testing before Winter Break.
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Dr. Brannon spoke on legislative issues in the General Assembly. He described the goals of the VASS: more time to fully fund VRS, full funding for the SOQ, more flexibility with state money to meet local budgets, against A-F school rating system, reduce number of mandated SOL exams.
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Dr. Brannon facilitated the first budget work session. He described projections for funding sources:

• State level funding: Governor's budget has been issues - will be revised by General Assembly (provides approximately $600,000 in additional funding)
• Federal funding: appears to be level with chance of increase
• Local Composite Index: down to .3182 from .3204 (this is good)
• Enrollment: down slightly (cancel out the decrease in LCI)
• VRS Life Insurance 0.71% employee share is currently paid by employer. This could be transferred to the employee to save money for the budget.

He also described projected additional costs for the school budget:

• $300,000 for a step increase for all employees
• $600,000 for a 3% increase in employer share to the VRS fund
• $100,000 for a 4% projected increase in health insurance costs

Bottom line at this point is:

• $600,000 in additional funding
• $1,000,000 in additional costs
• so $400,000 is projected to be needed to balance the budget

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The SB passed Right of Way resolutions for RRES and Sheffey so the VDOT can continue to maintain the roads leading up to those buildings.

The SB passed a motion to continue to pursue grant money through the Literary Funding.

The SB passed the new employee sick leave policy with no discussion.
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Dr. Brannon announced the new VA Secretary of Education, Ann Holton. He also announced workshops for SB members to be trained on the new superintendent evaluation tool.