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The controversial program, initiated by Gov. Pawlenty, is a merit pay system which would compensate teachers based on their classroom performance, instead of by seniority and education level.
The last contract teachers signed included language creating a Q-Comp committee to work on a plan for possible implementation for the 2009-10 school year. The district had been in discussion over Q-Comp with teacher representatives over the past year, according to curriculum director Sue Roehrich, but talks halted during contract negotiations. The sides have not met since the labor contract was signed and have no meetings schedule.
The board named Patricia Blaisdell, director of human resources, Scott Hannon, director of academic affairs, Mark Anderson, Winona Senior High School vice principal and Susan Roehrich to the task force.
Track deal OK’d
The board also approved a joint powers agreement proposed at the last board meeting, involving renovation costs and use of a new track for WSHS. The agreement would include Winona State University and the Morrie Miller Athletic Foundation, with the new track located at Paul Giel Field. Estimated costs for the renovations are $2 million, with the district contributing $500,000. The district’s end would be funded by a lease levy similar to the one used to fund the new Winona Area Learning Center.
Board pay increase?
Board member Kelly Herold, following a discussion on board participation on standing committees and the time they consume, suggested that the board should look into a pay increase for its members, who currently make $90 a month. Herold said he would like to see board pay be increased in a similar fashion as the teachers’ union, with inflationary raises every two years.
Herold said that, while he personally does not need the raise, he wanted to make sure that money issues would not discourage community members from running for the school board in the future. Herold said that, because of the time needed to devote toward the board, past members on fixed incomes have had difficulty dealing with what he feels is modest income for job.
“I’m not looking to make money off of this,” Herold said after the meeting, adding that he was trying to make sure the job wouldn’t become a financial burden on board members.
