Solar Power And Staff Salary Structure Focus Of School Board Meeting
Oskaloosa Community School Board
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa School Board met for the second time during October and heard a presentation by Eagle Point Solar, as well as discussed staff salary structure.
Larry Steffen, Vice President of Sales at Eagle Point Solar made a presentation to the board about what a solar system could potentially do for the district to help cut energy costs.
Steffen analyzed the district’s energy consumption and the cost of energy at each meter the district has. Each meter would be connected to a separate solar array. A solar array is made up of the specific number of solar panels needed for the energy use of the facility. The rate code for a particular meter could restrict the cost benefit for the district if a solar array were installed.
Some meters in the district charge less than what the district could see in savings from installing a solar array. Other buildings like the George Daily Auditorium could be candidates for a solar program because the cost of energy at the meter exceeds the cost for the solar installation over a 20-year timeframe.
No action was taken by the board on the solar presentation.
Oskaloosa Schools Superintendent Russ Reiter was seeking direction from the board on salary schedule and structure for staff compensation.
Approximately 80% of all General Fund money of the school district goes to the payroll of all staff members of the district.
Traditionally, compensation in the district was determined by years of experience and the educational background and degree of a staff member.
“We want to make sure we incentivize good professional behavior, and we want to reward those great teachers,” said Reiter during the discussion.
Reiter asked the board what they would want to focus on when it comes to compensating teachers. “When it comes to compensating our staff members. What’s important?” asked Reiter.
Sharma Parlett, who will represent the board on the committee that will be exploring compensation options, said, “Coming from education, having spent 40 years, I have some real, probably personal, biases on how we look at this. I’ve started to read some of the research, and paying for performance-based pay based on test scores; there’s not a lot of research that supports that.”
“But there’s also not a lot of research that supports that student achievement does better as teachers education levels increase. So I really think there needs to be a deeper look at some of that research,” added Parlett. “Just that thought of paying based on test scores kind of sends shivers down my back. I think that could have a lot of unintended consequences for us.”
“I want more for our students than just high test scores,” added Parlett. “I want them to be good citizens. I want them to be able to think. I want them to learn in a culture that is supportive, open, and communicating. So how do we measure that? I don’t know.”
Carl Drost said that during his discussion with teachers during last year’s contract negotiations, it was apparent to him of the importance the insurance package was to staff. “They would drive through two districts to get to Oskaloosa to teach because of the insurance program we had.”
“I think we need to find out what’s important to them [staff]. What is important and how do we work that together,” said Drost on finding a balance between the staff and budgetary constraints.
The district isn’t in a position that it needs to be to make changes to the salary structure in the short term, and Reiter said that the board would be in a position to study the changes through next fall.
The board also accepted the bid of $63,700.00 for the softball grandstand installation at the new softball field.
The board then approved the contract for the softball field buildings architect agreement, with Rodney Curtiss Architecture and Design, in the amount of $5800.00.
The board approved new school bus specifications for an immediate purchase, and to solicit bids of either 77 or 83 passenger models. If acceptable bids are received, a purchase would be made in November.
The board also discussed setting its goals since the change of board members in the recent election.
The Iowa Report Card was discussed as a way to measure the success of the district by the board. Drost said that districts like Oskaloosa are “living and dying” by the Iowa Report Card.
The Iowa Report Card puts the Oskaloosa High School as “Needs Improvement” while both the elementary and middle school are listed as Acceptable.
Nearby district Pella is rated as commendable and high-performing for their schools. North Mahaska’s elementary is rated commendable, while their high school is listed as acceptable. EBF School District’s elementary schools are listed as commendable, while the high school is rated acceptable.
Drost said that people moving to the area would decide where to settle down based on the available data, like that on the Iowa Report Card.
Improving academics and facilities, such as a possible addition to the elementary school, could help to decrease open enrollment and better the student experience. Carl Drost addressed one of those concerns in how long it takes to feed students in the cafeteria, nearly two and a half hours for each school day, as something that needs to be addressed.
A summary of the 20-minute discussion will be made, which will help Reiter then write goals for the district.
