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USD 509 representatives discuss continuing salary steps, converting Orion Hours and contract language changes
Summary
Board and teacher representatives at USD 509 discussed ways to continue the salary 'step' schedule, incentives for continuing education including converting Orion Hours to college credit, and agreed to change 'Contract' to 'Agreement' while leaving Flex Day out of the negotiated agreement; Dr. Farley will consult KASB.
Board and teacher representatives at USD 509 discussed several changes to the negotiated agreement, focusing on salary schedule continuation, continuing-education incentives and contract wording.
Reese Blaylock and other board representatives, along with teacher representatives Kalli Nicholson and Missy Russell, explored options to keep the salary 'step' portion moving past current thresholds. The group discussed adding an additional column to the salary schedule and alternative methods for staff to advance "to the right" on the schedule, noting incentives tied to continuing education.
Participants said Orion Hours can be converted into college hours and identified that conversion as one avenue to recognize continuing education for salary movement. Dr. Farley will consult the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) to check requirements and to inform next steps on continuing collaboration between the Board and teacher representatives.
The parties also agreed to change the term "Contract" to "Agreement" in certified personnel language and to update Health Certification wording to align with USD 509 policy. The group decided not to include a Flex Day provision in the negotiated agreement. Reese Blaylock emphasized the importance of staff participation in 403(b) matching as part of benefits conversation.
No formal votes were taken on these items at the meeting; the group agreed to continue exploring options and to return finalized information to teacher representatives for further consideration.
