Cape Girardeau schools could eliminate thousands in stipends

The Cape Girardeau School District could eliminate $60,000 in stipends as it reviews the policies and procedures behind compensating teachers for extra duties.

"In some cases it may mean having those responsibilities carried out in a different manner," said superintendent Dr. Jim Welker.

During a work session at the school board's Monday meeting, Welker briefed the board on the district's review of stipend schedules. He said a committee of teachers, coaches and administrators formed in September and has been meeting to develop a formal application process, job descriptions and evaluations.

When the board approved a new stipend schedule in May, teachers approached the board about the system. They said the transition to the new stipend schedule was not transparent.

The new system bases compensation on years of experience with the duty rather than years of teaching experience. District officials said the new system is a work in progress and they will continue to review it.

Board members debated about whether to make allocating stipends more competitive.

"It's unfair for one person to monopolize that money," said board member Paul Nenninger. He said other teachers should be allowed to apply for the money when stipends are renewed each year. Stipends include coaching positions, club advisers and bus duties.

"What would keep anyone from coming in and saying 'I want his job,'" said board president Kyle McDonald. He said as long as the teacher is satisfactorily completing the work, they should keep the extra responsibility.

Welker said the committee had not considered making stipends more competitive, and he would ask for their input.

In other business, the board:

• Heard a report from Welker saying Adam Kidd will chair a community committee to lobby for the district's $40 million bond issue. The committee will meet at 7 p.m. today at Cape Bible Chapel. Kidd was a member of the steering committee that formulated the facilities plan behind the bond issue. The district will also hold open houses in preparation of the election, Welker said.
• Had a second reading and approved board policies DD, DD-AP, DJC, GCD, GCD-AP, GDC, JCB, JG, JGA.
• Had a first reading and approval of board policy GBCC pertaining to staff cell phone use. The policy bans personal use on phones that are paid for with E-Rate federal funding. The policy was required to comply with the requirements of the funds.
• Approved to continue cell phone service with Nextel. The board also approved the addition of 11 radio phones and two data packages.
• Accepted a bid from Big River Telephone for long distance services at $0.06 per minute.
• Approved the school board election ballot for the April 6 election. Don Call, Paul Nenninger, Philip "Phil" Moore and Hamner Hill filed for two three-year positions.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave. Cape Girardeau, MO