The Stafford County School Board last night discussed providing midyear raises to all employees instead of bonuses to some.
The School Board had not voted as of The Free Lance-Star's deadline. Member Robert Belman, who leaves the School Board in January, proposed the raises, and Doreen Phillips seconded his motion.
"I think this would go miles in helping the morale of all of our employees," Belman said.
The Board of Supervisors narrowly voted last week to use a little more than $1 million from a $6.2 million surplus for bonuses for teachers, paraprofessionals and school nurses. However, School Superintendent David Sawyer said the supervisors' resolution is not legally binding.
Sawyer said the School Board could use the money to give returning employees a step increase effective April 2010. Those at the top of the scale would receive stipends, based on that proposal.
Sawyer called it a "bold step, in light of the fiscal circumstances."
Returning instructors this year did not receive cost-of-living raises or step increases, which reward them for years of experience.
However, new instructors with teaching experience hired for the fiscal year that began July 1 received a higher salary under the step increase schedule. Their salaries would not change, based on Sawyer's proposal.
Sawyer said he personally supports providing all employees with midyear pay increases.
The money to be used for Belman's proposed raises comes from a $6.2 million surplus discovered this year. It was caused by an accounting error involving a transfer between the school system and county government in 2007.
Wayne Carruthers, assistant superintendent for finance, last night provided documentation that he says proves the division tried to address the problem in 2007.
In related business, the School Board voted to rehire its auditor for the next two years and send a letter to the treasurer requesting the division's own bank account.
School officials currently share an account with county government, and they believe having a separate account will prevent future miscommunication.
Also at the meeting, eight people spoke during a public hearing for input on the 2010-2011 budget, which Sawyer is scheduled to present in February.
Five teachers, including Stafford Education Association President Jannette Martin, explained the need for better pay.
And before the meeting, at least 60 teachers and school employees from the Stafford Education Association held a rally outside the Bandy Complex to protest what they consider a lack of funding for education.
At one point, Martin repeatedly said over a megaphone, "I say 'education,' you say?" Participants responded, "Compensation!"
Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com