Teacher contracts under discussion in Holmes County

BONIFAY – The Holmes County School Board and the Holmes County Teachers Association are in discussion about the upcoming teacher’s contract. Various issues were discussed at Tuesday’s regular Board meeting.

One issue is contracts for retired teachers that return to teaching. Earlier this year the Board discussed offering contracts to returning teachers under continuing contract status that do not reflect the teachers’ experience as a way to save money. HCTA President Alice Hall and three returning teachers, Barbara McSwain, Trudy Beaver and Maelyn Hatfield, were on hand to give their side to the Board.

McSwain noted that such a proposal would cut her contract by about 30 percent. McSwain is retired from the Geneva County, Al. school system as are 12 of the 14 teachers affected. She noted that the returning teachers were working in Holmes County during the improvement in school grades enjoyed over the last few years.

Hatfield noted her 25 years of experience in Hartford, Al. that she brought to Holmes County. “You’re paying for my experience,” she told the Board.

Hall made the following proposal to the Board. “Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, any newly hired teacher drawing a state or federal retirement and now working full time in Holmes County will be hired and remain at step 10, $38,500.

“Any retired teacher employed in Holmes County any time during the 2008-2009 school year, and are hired for the 2009-2010 school year, and maintain continuous employment will continue to be paid for their years of experience on the salary schedule for the duration of their employment.

“We believe these teachers are valuable and should be paid for all their experience. Our students deserve quality teachers therefore we will not allow experienced retired teachers to drop back to beginning teacher salary. 

“We know the school district has a difficult task of getting our county schools in better shape financially. We also know that Holmes County needs to have a pool of excellent applicants for teaching positions.  The district proposal will limit quality teachers seeking employment. 

“State statute no longer requires the district to pay retired teachers for their experience, but it doesn’t say the district CAN’T pay them for that experience.  Because we understand the economic realities and the poor funding we agree to help minimize the financial impact allowing the district to pay retired teachers beginning at step 10.

“Since we want quality teachers for our students we need to keep this segment as a pool for possible teachers.”