Cape School Board members discuss changing pay system at Tuesday retreat

Now might be the time to make necessary changes in staff compensation, Cape Girardeau School Board members said Tuesday.

During a four-hour retreat, the board touched on topics like human resources practices, financial planning and fund balances.

Last month, the board passed the district's $41 million budget, which froze salaries. Because of the tough financial times, the district suspended a five-year plan to make salaries more competitive.

Under the current schedule, teachers receive the same pay for their first four years. Previously, the district paid teachers at the same level for five years but reduced it to four last year as it started a plan to bring salaries more in line with other districts.

Board member Kyle McDonald said the system was set up under the idea that starting teachers received higher pay over a five-year period.

Board president Paul Nenninger described the current pay plan as broken. Others said it did not work as planned.

"It's never worked," Nenninger said.

Board members discussed different scenarios, including a completely new compensation system.

"Rip the scab off one time rather than five years in a row," board member Stacy Kinder said.

With state funding cuts and poor economic conditions, board members questioned how to make the changes without costing the district more money. Personnel makes up more than 75 percent of the district budget. The district also cut 26 staff and teaching positions as part of its efforts to balance the budget.

"I don't think you can fix it without throwing money at it," said board member Don Call.

The district will have five first-year teachers when the school year starts Aug. 12, said assistant superintendent Pat Fanger. Board members directed superintendent Dr. Jim Welker to work with the salary committee to come up with different scenarios for compensation.

"It's hard to fix," Welker said. "It's particularly hard to fix without money."

The board also discussed human resources practices, which are split among central office administrators. In the past, there had been one human resource manager and the board has been exploring the need to centralize practices with one person. Given the overall reduction in staff, administrators have expressed concern about expanding central office staff.

Administrators have been working with an assistant professor from Southeast Missouri State University to evaluate their practices. They said additional training would be helpful but handling the responsibilities helps them keep more in touch with their staff.

"I think we've got a good rhythm, a good pattern," Fanger said.

The board will hold another retreat at 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

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