The Simpson County School Board held a special called meeting on June 21 to determine a pay scale for Melanie Warren, physical therapist for the county school district.
The board’s goal was to make the pay scale for the physical therapist’s position commensurate with that of a district teacher with the same experience. They determined that many questions have to be answered before a decision can be made to change the pay scale.
One factor in determining pay is that unlike in the past, a physical therapist is now required to have a doctorate degree in order to practice. School systems typically pay more to staff with higher degrees.
Former Superintendent Greg Paes and Dr. Robert Sanders, assistant superintendent of human resources, had recommended that all positions, whether or not they are instructional, be tied to the teacher pay scale. Sanders told the board that all positions were moving in that direction, a fact which he had confirmed with other school districts.
Board member Lillie Hardy noted exceptions to this pay scale plan and said there were reasons for some exceptions. She said that it could be violating law to change the way the compensation is done in this particular circumstance.
The board also questioned whether the physical therapist’s job is a contract position or a classified position. Hardy pointed out that management of Sixteenth Section property as well as other positions in the school district are not tied to teacher pay scales. Dr. Sanders said the position is not a contracted position but rather an “at will” position and that other benefits are paid for the position.
According to Sanders, the job of physical therapist is the second highest paid position per hour in the school district, second only to that of the superintendent of education.
Originally the physical therapist’s salary was set at $55,000 per year for 115 days, or the rate per day of $478.20. Warren herself had determined that the job could be done in fewer days and reduced it to 94 days a year at the same rate for an annual cost of $44,950. By converting to the teacher scale the fee would drop to $288.37 a day with compensation at $27,107.
The board tabled the discussion until the June 30 special called meeting to close out the year.
Other business at the meeting included the approval of the Federal Program Assurances. This had to be completed to allow for application of funding for federal funds.
Financial Director Joanna Maddox reported that a district audit was conducted by program auditors, that the records kept by Asst. Superintendent for Federal Programs Misty Hannah were excellent and that the two-day audit only required one day.
The board approved a contract with Blueberry Peace Farms to allow for an administrative retreat to be hosted on the grounds.
It was announced that board training is scheduled for August 20 in Jackson.
The meeting was adjourned until the year-end meeting on June 30.
