By Sam Conner –
Three persons spoke during the call to the public at the May 2 Winslow School District Governing Board meeting, all on the subject of allowing teachers to have a voice in negotiations for salaries and working conditions.
Matt Nichols, an organization consultant for the Arizona Education Association stationed in Flagstaff, but serving northern Arizona, spoke regarding the need for teachers to have a meet and confer role with the school board.
Sharon Vasquez, president of the Winslow Education Association, spoke of concerns over the salary schedule, as did WEA member Karen Rockwell. One of the areas of concern mentioned was the extra pay for “high demand” teachers, which they see as neglecting properly rewarding some valuable teachers, especially in the elementary schools.
The board approved the rehiring of Anita Henling as secretary to the business manager. Also approved were the transfers of Candace Hartman from third grade teacher at the magnet school, to music and theater teacher at Winslow High School; Gail Tsosie from first grade teacher to second grade teacher at Jefferson School; Jeanne Oliva from eighth grade reading teacher to computer/language arts teacher at Winslow Junior High School; and Penny Montez from substitute bus driver to part-time bus driver for the district.
The resignation or retirement of Melissa Gilbert, reading aide at Jefferson School, was approved.
The board approved a donation of $103 to Washington School from the Arizona Restaurant Systems for Sonic Night.
A change in the school calendar for next year was approved, adding a snow day in the last nine-weeks period of the school year.
Prior to the regular meeting, the board held a public hearing on the district’s revised 2011-12 expenditure budget. There were no speakers during the hearing. The board adopted the revised budget during the regular meeting.
