Tentative Agreement Reached

The good news is that the 4 furlough days previously reduced will be restored for next year.  Essentially, that constitutes a pay raise (at least getting us back to 2008 pay levels or higher).  This is being recommended for all classified, certified, and administrative staff.   We still have some work to do on the budget with possible reductions in a few areas (tightening the belt), but I applaud both teams for their efforts and hard work.  In addition to the 4 days, the district will continue to cover $412 toward individual health and will continue to cover 100% of vision and dental (also no changes to sick leave or life insurance).  The pay out for unused personal days was eliminated (but personal days are still earned at 4 days per year with carry over of 2 allowed) in order to stay within budget limits. 

The discussion on changes to the master agreement were tabled until next year when we hear from the interim committee and Governor's task force recommendations.

For me this really comes down to PROMISES MADE...PROMISES KEPT.  The Board of Trustees has always maintained that the reduced days would be the first thing restored when the funding was made available.  They certainly do have the best interest of all parties in mind.  It is truly an honor and pleasure to serve the staff, students, and families of this wonderful school district.

Stay tuned for more details.

Scott A. Rogers, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Minidoka County Joint School District #331

Rumor Patrol  

Just a quick clarification that I need to reiterate.  There will be a full-time principal at Heyburn next year.  That has always been the plan.  He/she will be housed there and have full-time responsibilities as principal.  This plan has not changed nor will it change.   I am confident that any one of our current administrators could step in and do a great job at Heyburn.  We would expect to name the principal soon (on or before our next board meeting).  We will either assign an existing district administrator (Scott, John, Sandra, TL, or Marlane) or the board will give us the go ahead to interview and hire from our list of applicants.  We have never discussed part-time or no principal at Heyburn as has been rumored.  With the budget issues, we are just trying to save expenses and decrease administration at the district level as long as it is academically sound and financially prudent.  This will offset other cuts to staff and programs.  No other building principals are being considered for a transfer to Heyburn.  All other building principal assignments will remain the same for next school year.

Second, there has been and will be zero general fund dollars spent on the iSchool project.  This is a grant funded pilot project.  We are applying for pilot funding through SDE for next year.  This expense is not included in our general budget and absolutely does not take funding away from any of our other schools.   There was a non-appropriations clause from the beginning.  Having said that, we are working on ways to fund and expand classroom technology at all of our schools. We would like to systematically replicate parts and pieces of what we have learned from the iSchool in all  of our schools.  As we learned at the Tech Trek, you don't need to have a full iSchool in order to implement instructional technology in classrooms at your school.  It is exciting for student engagement and learning, and is happening in every building across the district.  Recently the board approved to send the $120,000 of this year's tech funds to the schools (except Paul) for school recommended tech projects and needs.  That is a great step in the right direction.

I hope this provides clarification and facts to refute some of the recent rumors.   Please pass this on to our parent groups as well.  Thank you for your time and attention.  Have a great day and week!

Best Regards,
Scott A. Rogers, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools