Raises given to those with 20+ years
By Melinda L. Lucas
Raises were give to returning teachers who are above the state minimum step 20 salary schedule and increases in several stipends were approved during an AISD school board on Monday, Aug. 17.
Trustees also reviewed the preliminary budget and looked at where the state seems to be heading concerning school funding.
“We just received notice that a deal has been made between the Governor, House, and the Senate on the Property Tax Relief bill,” said AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott.
The Governor was expected to sign the bill that would compress tax rates by 10.7 cents, increase the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000, and provide M&O and I&S hold harmless provisions for school districts. At the time of the meeting, the Governor had yet to sign the bill.
Even though the state had not determined a funding process, Scott went over the estimated revenue based on what was known at that time. As always, enrollment is a key driver in the formula funding.
“Expenditures on this preliminary budget include the cost for a new bus, 3 HVAC replacement units, roof and building repairs, and upkeep that’s needed, as well as the overall increase in all the cost of everything as we have all seen due to inflation,” Scott said.
Scott’s concern is that revenue is not expected to increase greater than the rise in cost of typical general goods and services.
Staff Increases
After discussion, Matt Bellah made a motion to give a 5% increase to 16 returning teachers and professionals who have “topped out” on the state salary scale.
The increase totals $44,035.
In addition, the local coaching stipends were raised from $2,850 to $4,000, and the assistant band director was given a $3,000 stipend.
Other Business
•District librarian Jenny Scott reviewed recent state action concerning book selection, but no action was taken.
•Allie Holson was hired as an elementary paraprofessional position. She will mainly serve in the kindergarten classrooms.
•An exemption was approved for the state requirement that each campus have an armed security officer, and other safety measures were discussed for the upcoming school year.
