Proposed salary increases prompt debate

Salary negotiations took center stage during public comment at the Douglas County School Board meeting Tuesday at Douglas High School as district employees discussed a proposed pay increase for school administrators.

Board members voted to postpone taking action on the item because of controversy surrounding its wording. The item recommended a 2.5 percent salary increase in 2007-08 and a 4 percent increase in 2008-09 for school administrators.

"When I look at the facts and figures, I get higher numbers," said Randy Cahill, organization specialist for the Nevada State Education Association.

Cahill said the 2.5 percent increase stated in the agenda was misleading. He said the recommendation included a new base salary for administrators and new "responsibility factors" that would additionally raise the pay grade.

When added together, some administrators would be looking at an 11 percent raise.

Responsibility factoring increases the pay of administrators according to the amount of responsibilities they are assigned. For example, the pay of certain administrators is multiplied by 1.12 to generate a higher salary for more responsibilities. The item proposes that rate be changed to 1.18.

"I'm not against the salary increase, but put it in context with the other 98 percent of employees who are with the kids every day and are our foundation," said Cahill. "Afford them the same opportunity."

Currently, school administrators in Douglas County start at $56,642 for a 210-day calendar contract, $59,157 for a 220-day calendar contract and $61,675 for a 12-month calendar contract. If the increase is approved, on-site administrators in 2007-08, paid retroactively for this year, would start at $59,509 for a 210-day contract, $62,152 for a 220-day contract and $64,797 for a 12-month contract, without adding in responsibility factors. In 2008-09, they would start at $61,890 for a 210-day contract, $64,638 for a 220-day contract and $67,389 for a 12-month contract.

In comparison, teachers in Douglas County work on a 186-day calendar contract. Teachers with a bachelor's degree start at $33,067. Teachers with a master's degree start at $38,100. Each base salary rises according to years of experience and college credits completed towards a higher degree.

During their salary negotiations with the district in September, teacher unions declared an impasse, which, under Nevada State Law, forces current contract offers to be reviewed and decided by a third party. But teachers can rescind their declaration and continue negotiating with the district if they choose.

"Let me assure you, the door is open," said board member Teri Jamin.

More than a dozen teachers attended the board meeting, and 26 of the district's 27 administrators showed up to weigh in on the matter.

"I feel like we are being punished because the county is still waiting to settle with the teachers," said Rommy Cronin, principal of Piñon Hills Elementary School.

"Administrators and teachers share mutual interests," said Keith Lewis, principal of Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School. "We both want to attract new candidates. The administrative salaries in Douglas are lagging behind other rural counties. Plus, the cost of living is higher."

Brian Frazier, director of testing, assessments and grants for the district, agreed with Lewis, arguing the district needs to increase administrative salaries to attract the best candidates. He said administrators work long hours, don't get the same vacations teachers get, and are the ones who get sued when a school has a problem.

Teachers were quick to counter.

"All the arguments administrators are making are valid," said Susan Lacey, a special education teacher at Meneley Elementary School and president of the Douglas County Professional Education Association. "But teachers can use the same arguments about cost of living and extra hours."

"We fight tooth and nail for everything we get," said Meredith Swanson-Jessup, who teaches at Gardnerville Elementary School. "Teachers are doing the work with the kids but are still not getting the compensation they deserve."

The item will be revised and reviewed at the board's next meeting on Jan. 8 at Kingsbury Middle School.

n Scott Neuffer can be reached at sneuffer@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 217.