Union leader urges Springfield district to restore annualized pay for hourly workers; board discusses alternatives

Jeffrey Pettibone, president of the Springfield chapter of the Missouri State Teachers Association, urged the Springfield Public Schools board to reinstate annualized pay for hourly employees during public comment, calling the change a safeguard for low-paid workers.

"Annualized pay provides hourly employees with a steady and predictable income they can count on throughout the year," Pettibone said, arguing that ending the practice creates unnecessary financial instability. He asked the district to disclose the amount of losses auditors cited when recommending the change.

Board members acknowledged the concern and described efforts to reduce uncertainty for hourly staff. Board member Makoski said administrators have created opportunities for affected employees to earn more income through summer work and other programs and encouraged employees to learn about those options. Board member Provance described community resources and partnerships, including evening and athletics work and employer connections, as additional ways employees can add income.

Superintendent Dr. Lathan told the board the district will offer one-on-one workshops in February through the payroll department to help employees set up arrangements with banks and learn about summer work opportunities and other options. "Payroll department, Miss Stacel, and her team have set up a schedule a workshop for February," Dr. Lathan said, adding that the district will push the information to employees and ask union leaders and principals to help share it.

Pettibone said most districts in Missouri have retained annualized pay and asked the board to weigh reinstatement as a policy solution. Board members expressed sympathy and urged communication; Dr. Thomas Tate encouraged librarians and other staff to contact state representatives for more school funding.

The board did not take a formal vote to reinstate annualized pay at the meeting; discussion focused on information sessions and outreach.