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Board approves two business specialist contracts after debate over pay and savings
Summary
Trustees approved two business specialist contracts that consolidate prior duties, saving the district roughly $40,000 annually, after questioning a negotiated rise from $30 to $32 per hour; the motion passed 6–1.
The Madison District Public Schools Board of Education approved two new business specialist contracts Aug. 19 that consolidate duties from three prior positions, sparking debate over an hourly rate change and transparency about negotiation parameters.
Trustees discussed a reported change from $30 to $32 per hour after negotiations with staff. "When we set a parameter in closed session I did not expect for anything to come back not a penny above," one trustee said, and other trustees pressed administration for a clearer explanation of how the negotiated rate was reached.
Superintendent Patricia Perry said the final terms reflected concessions staff were making (such as giving up a week of vacation and longevity pay) and additional duties accepted by the employees. Administration also told the board the net financial impact would save about $40,000 compared with eliminating three positions and hiring two specialists to cover the work.
Trustee Mary Bush framed the question as whether the combined duties justified roughly $66,000 in annual pay per person, while another trustee stressed the board had been warned previously that the business office was understaffed. Trustees requested clearer advance notification when contract parameters change.
The board approved the business specialist contracts by roll-call vote: Crystal Beaver, Mary Bush, Rebecca Chamblas, Mary Harp, Cindy Holder and Gloria Thompson voted yes; Trustee Mark Kimble voted no. Administration said the two positions would take on payroll, accounts payable and grant-related duties among other responsibilities.
The contracts will be implemented as described in the board packet; trustees requested follow-up on how duties are distributed and confirmation of projected savings.
