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SWAA contracts approved
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - September 01, 2010)
The South-Western City Schools Board of Education approved the contract agreement for the South-Western Administrators Association (SWAA).
A contract agreement for the teachers' union and the classified staff union have yet to be reached.
The administrator's one-year contract term is effective through June 30, 2011.
The contract offers no increase in base pay and begins to phase out the retirement longevity bonus. The contract does not address step increases. Step increases are mandated by the state, but the districts decide the percentage of a pay increase.
Under the contract terms, administrators will contribute 7.5 percent to their health and dental health care plans beginning in January 2011. In 2012, they will pay 10 percent. The family coverage plan will remain a 35 percent employee contribution.
In February, the district underwent a voluntary performance audit. The audit, conducted by the Auditor of the State, said the district could save $2.5 million of its budget by implementing cost saving measures including increases in employee insurance premiums.
The audit also suggested the district implement a mandatory direct deposit program for its employees. Under the new contract, SWAA members will have direct deposit and electronic notification of payroll.
"SWAA members understand the financial ramifications of our struggling economy and want to help the district remain fiscally responsible," said Bob Rains, SWAA president.
The contract also states members would study a performance-based pay structure and the retirement pick-up would be capped at 10 percent.
"Our administrators do a great job and throughout negotiations have shown they are sensitive to the financial constraints of our current budget," said board of education president Randy Reisling.
After voters passed a 7.4-mill tax levy last November, the board of education and the district administration promised the community they would make tax dollars last. They also said they would cut $15 million from the budget over the next few years.
Superintendent Bill Wise said, "Our administrators willingly recognized the financial challenges facing not only the South-Western City Schools, but public schools across the state. At a time when school funding remains uncertain and the economy is attempting to stabilize, SWAA has proven their willingness to be part of the solution."
Last month, the board of education voted to extend the contract of Wise through July 2016. His salary for the 2011/12 school year will be $155,800, which is what it was in 2008. Pay increases after 2011 are to be determined.
The average salary of a South-Western City Schools administrator is $84,545. The state average is $71,477.
The teacher and classified staff contracts are still in mediation. District spokeswoman Sandy Nekoloff said she does not know when an agreement might be reached.
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