BY DEBBIE PAGE

The Mooresville Graded School District School Board passed a salary study for the district’s classified employees and approved a strategic plan to achieve the district’s future goals, which were initially presented during the May meeting.

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE SALARY STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS

The salary study was conducted by the HIL firm over the past year to help the district better understand market rates to ensure competitive compensation for system employees, according to Superintendent Jason Gardner.

One key issue emerging from the study was while MGSD’s average compensation is one of the highest in the area, compression issues have closed the gap between new and veteran employee pay. In addition, the study recommended adopting consistent practices and transparency to accurately and fairly place employees on the salary schedules.

Full implementation of the salary study recommendations will require an annual investment of approximately $1.5 million. Once a final state budget is released, MGSD staff will communicate with all impacted employees about their placement on the pay schedule.

In her presentation to the board, Chief Financial Officer Angie Davis noted job market changes post-COVID and General Assembly decisions that resulted in salary compression issues created the need for the study. The MGSD Strategic Plan also revealed a need to evaluate market rates and strengthen competitive pay structures.

Davis said consultants reviewed the current salary structure and placement, conducted on-site interviews with employees from various classified employee groups, including TAs, bus drivers, nutrition, maintenance, and custodial staff members, and compared MGSD’s current compensation with other local governments and area school districts.

HLI found that MGSD’s midpoint compensation is generally one of the highest in the comparison group and that compression issues created the need for new salary schedules. The consultants also stressed using a transparent process for salary placement to align with the strategic plan’s core value of Integrity.

Davis suggested next steps of adopting the suggested salary placements, ensuring employees receive an increase each year inclusive of General Assembly’s directive. She also suggested establishing consistent policies for placing employees on the schedules and clearly communicating new schedule placements to employees.

Davis cautioned that not every employee will receive a salary bump because in general they are compensated well, but some who have experienced salary compression may get a significant increase.

The board voted unanimously to move forward with new classified salary placements effective July 1. Employees will receive a letter before the July pay date explaining their salary schedule placement.

FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

The board unanimously approved the proposed MGSD five-year strategic plan, which was completed over a six-month period with the goal of efficiently moving the system toward its goals in multiple areas.

The plan’s five core values, developed from stakeholder feedback, include developing authentic relationships in an inclusive, welcoming environment; empowering of students, families, and staff voices in the growth and development of the school system to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement; equity of opportunity and access necessary for a successful outcome; integrity and a culture of trust between staff, students, families; and a safe environment where everyone feels secure and supported, including physical safety, mental health, and a sense of well-being.

The strategic plan’s priorities include (1) maximizing opportunity and achievement; (2) creating safe, happy, and healthy environments; (3) growing, recruiting, and retaining staff; and (4) creating a culture of relationships.

REPORTS

Random Drug Testing

Dr. Scott Smith, assistant superintendent of Auxiliary Services, delivered a year-end report on the system’s random, suspicionless drug-testing policy. Seventh- to twelfth-graders who are active in interscholastic athletics or extracurricular activities or who park on campus must agree to participate in the program, according to Board Policy 4326.

The program is mandatory for those students only because participating in those activities are a “privilege, not a right,” according to the policy. Parents of students who do not participate in extra-curricular or athletic activities can also request their child be included.

Participation in the random drug testing program is not required to attend school or enroll in classes.

During the 2022-2023 school year, a total of 206 students (86 female, 119 males) underwent random testing. The majority of students, 162 in total, were enrolled at MHS, while the remaining 44 students attended MMS.

Of those tested, 150 students were White, 21 Black, 15 multi-racial, 19 Hispanic, and 1 Asian.

Among the tested students, nine individuals tested positive for an illegal drug. Only Smith and Gardner have access to the test results.

Students who test positive have a temporary loss of the privilege and family meeting with administration. They are also given community resources for a drug cessation course. After they can produce a negative test, reinstatement of the privilege occurs.

The program cost the district cost $5,684 during the 2022-2023 school year.

Student Wellness Review

Tanae Sump-McLean, chief communications officer, presented the results of the Student Wellness Review, required by all school districts every three years by both state and federal laws.

The review looks at the extent the district complies with its wellness policy and how the board’s policy compares to model school wellness policies and meets state and federal requirements. The review also examines the progress the district made over the three-year period in attaining the goals of the student wellness policy.

The review found the system was in compliance with its School Health Advisory Council meetings, representative make-up, and assistance with planning, implementing, promoting, and monitoring the student wellness policy.

Nutrition promotion and education was considered partly in place, with more nutrition education needed “to provide all students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lives. Students should learn to address nutrition-related health concerns through age-appropriate nutrition education lessons and activities.”

Nutrition standards and guidelines for all food and beverages available at the school and the sale of only Smart Snacks in School before the end of all lunch periods are considered fully met.

However, availability of other foods on campus (such as school parties, incentives, prizes, and fundraisers) and food and beverage marketing still need improvement.

The goal for elementary schools is to provide 150 minutes weekly of quality physical education with a certified physical education teacher. The goal for middle schools is to provide 225 minutes weekly of Healthful Living Education, divided equally between health and physical education with certified health and physical education teachers.

Schools also are required to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day for kindergarten through eighth-grade students through physical education classes or through recess, dance, classroom energizers, or other curriculum-based physical activity programs.

MGSD is only partially meeting this goal. Sump-McLean pointed out that “public schools lack the funding for enough licensed PE teachers as well as the time necessary to meet the physical education curriculum requirements, though all schools have worked diligently to meet the daily physical activity goals.”

In addition to the above wellness standards, the MGSD Board also adopted goals for school-based activities designed to promote wellness. Of those, adequate time to eat meals and using food as a reward still need improvement, accord to Sump-McLean.

In whole person wellness goals, Sump-McLean said more work is still needed in improving student and staff wellness; creating incentive-based staff wellness programs at each school to promote a healthy environment for teaching and learning; utilizing online resources to support school health services for students, parents and staff; and institutionalizing positive behavior support programs.

Sump-McLean said the district continues striving to meet the goal of providing 150 minutes a week of physical education with a certified PE teacher in grades K-5 and 225 minutes a week of Healthful Living Education, divided equally between health and physical education with certified health and physical education teachers, in middle schools.

Schools do their best, despite lack of time and funding to meet all state requirements as well as a lack of PE teachers. “Our schools are successful in meeting the goal of providing 30 minutes of physical activity per day through PE, recess, and/or classroom energizer activities for our K-8 students,” she said.

The child nutrition staff continues to encourage healthy eating habits by following federal and state guidelines and regulations.

“MGSD and school principals will continue to encourage school administrators to seek alternative fundraising opportunities that include non-food items and physical activity in order to promote healthy habits,” she added.

OTHER ACTIONS

Student Fees

The board approved fee structure changes for the 2023-2024 academic year, including a fee of $2,223 for Out of District Student Tuition (limited to employees’ children and children who move out of district during school year), Color Guard fees for required items (warm up suit, flag bag, jazz shoes, etc.) fornew ($545) and returning ($200.) participants, and the reinstatement of a laptop fee, reduced to $20, which will help pay for a future laptop refresh.

Nutrition Bids

The board approved the following nutrition bids:

♦ Produce: Foster Caviness — $60,000 (year 2 of rollover fixed pricing).
♦ Milk: Marva Maid Dairy — $140,000 (year 1 of rollover fixed pricing).
♦ Food and Supplies: US Foods Fort Mill — $800,000 (year 1 of rollover fixed pricing).

Policy Updates

The board approved proposed policy amendments recommended by the NC School Board Association, among which are changes regarding AI use in the integrity policy, rights of pregnant students and staff, a 10 percent minority contract goal, and naming facilities.

INFORMATIONAL UPDATES

FMLA Policy

April Kuhn, chief human resources officer, recommended that the calculation method of the FMLA twelve-month entitlement be measured using a “rolling” term, the twelve-month period measured backwards from the date an employee uses any FMLA leave.

Each time an employee takes FMLA leave, the remaining leave entitlement will be the balance of the twelve weeks that have not been used in the immediately preceding twelve-month period.

For example, if an eligible employee takes four weeks of FMLA leave beginning September 1, four weeks beginning December 1, and then requests additional leave on March 1 of the next year, the employee would be entitled to take up to four additional weeks for his last request. The employee would then not be entitled to any additional leave until September 1 of that new year.

Kuhn said the recommendation is brought to clarify the federally required calculation method. Federal law requires that a calculation method be applied consistently and that any change be shared with employees 60 days prior to the implementation of the new method.

The board will consider the recommendation at its August meeting.

Selma Burke Middle School

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Michael Royal announced that finishing touches are progressing at the new Selma Burke Middle School, which is on time and on budget. Furnishings and the media center collection will arrive in July.

A ribbon cutting is tentatively planned for July 27 at 9 a.m.

DONATIONS

Dr. Gardner announced a $27,359 donation to pay all fees owed by 2023 graduating seniors from Williamson Chapel United Methodist Church.

The Dale Jr. Foundation also donated $25,000 toward a new playground at South Elementary.

STAFF RECOGNTIONS

2023 MGSD Retirees

Dr. Gardner and board members congratulated the 2023 retirees from MGSD, presenting each with a certificate and an embossed vase. These faculty and staff members contributed a cumulative 456 years of their careers to MGSD.

Retirees honored included Nancy Mangan, Administrative Assistant/Curriculum Support; Susan Brown, Title One Reading Specialist, SES; Sarah Khan, Teacher Assistant, RRES; Jeanne Kouwe, Media Assistant, RRES; Lisa Oliver, Math Teacher, MHS; and Donna Brown, Bus Driver.

Others recognized for their service were Jean Stowell, Science Teacher, MMS; Rebecca Miller, Speech Language Pathologist, SES; Paula Attanucci, Teacher, RRES; Amy Martin, Media Assistant, PVES; Michael Moore, Head Custodian, MIS; and Berry Williams, Mac Systems Administrator, Technology.

Board members also honored Carol Elliott, Teacher, RRES; Amy Brown, Teacher, RRES; Lisa Feller, Teacher Assistant, SES; Sandra Brown, Teacher, SES; Mary Goodson, English Teacher, MHS; Charles LaRusso, Principal, RRES; Rob Bertucci, Head Custodian, EMIS; Tonya Mays, Assistant Principal, EMIS; Karen Mazza, PowerSchool Data Manager, EMIS; and Linda Moore, Head Custodian, SES.

ABCD Award

Park View Elementary School custodian Michelle Peña, nominated by Park View Elementary Principal Dr. Misha Rogers and Assistant Principal Jennifer Marshall, received the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty June recognition.

In their nomination, Rogers and Marshall said, “Michelle is a huge support to our head custodian, Ms. Renee Graham. She is an extremely hard worker and always gives it her all. Michelle jumps in to assist in any area of our building and makes it a priority to do her best work.”

She was also commended for her positive attitude and for checking in with the staff to ensure they have what they need. Additionally, she has established relationships with many students, including ones she mentors.

“You can also find her in the cafeteria during lunchtime with our head custodian, cleaning up, but most importantly, having dance parties. Our students look forward to these days with our custodians, and Ms. Michelle is part of it! Ms. Michelle Peña is all about being a Park View Patriot, and we are so lucky to have her on our team!”

STUDENT RECOGNITIONS

Mooresville Middle School Girls’ Soccer Team – 2023 Regular Season Co-Champions & Tournament Champions

Coach Mitch Patro, along with assistant coaches Dee Miller and Sarah Alvord, said the Mooresville Middle School Girls Soccer Team finished off the 2023 season with a final record of 14-1, 79 goals, and only six goals against them.

Team members include Hadley Decker, Addison Fitzsimmons, Gwyneth Govern, Ruby Hauck, Hiliana Hernandez, Caroline Kaemba, Bailey Jo Lowman, Cassidy Martin, Mollie Moore, Riley Parker, Madelyn “Maddy” Ryley, Avery Sanders, Savannah Stone, Brooklynn Tomczak, Valerie Vazquez, Ava Ventura, and Laura Villegas.

Mooresville Middle School JV Girls’ Volleyball Team – 2023 Conference Tournament Champions

Though head coach Kari Major and assistant coach Terri Fulton said over half of the team had very little if any real volleyball experience and some were new to the sport, the MMS JV Volleyball team worked hard to learn basics skills and the correct way to play the sport as a team.

They also gained the confidence throughout the season that came to light at the conference tournament. The team’s regular season record was 6-6, so it entered the tournament as the fifth seed but won the conference tournament with their improved skills.

Team members include Morgan Brawley, Caroline Green, Madison Howell. Avery Ibach, Siena Kushner, Hayden Mattox, Jillian “Jill” McAllister, La’Raya Nance, Brooklyn Pieczynski, Ava Rogers, Gabriela “Gaby” Salazar, Olivia Sentas, Raegan Stutts, and Kinsley Young.

Mooresville High School JV Girls Softball Team – 2023 Undefeated Conference Champions

The MHS JV softball team ended its season with a record of 12-4 and as undefeated Conference Champions under the leadership of head coach Tia Green and assistant coach Josh Schaen.

Players included Alexandra Amon, Avery Diamond, Brooklynn Farthing, Chandler Filardi, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Kensley Ford, Lexi Giffin, Bianca Gilmore, Isabella Gregory, Rebecca Hasty, Emma Lee, Maddie Petit, Olivia Polson, Lilly Rumrill, Arilyn Schultz, and Lauren Spencer.

Mooresville High School Varsity Girls Softball Team – 2023 Conference Tournament Champions

Coach Paul Kikta noted that the Mooresville High School varsity softball team members faced some adversity. “With scary injuries and changing line-ups it was different than previous seasons. Pushing through it all, they went 21-7 on the season with many exciting games.”

“Although they were second overall in the conference, they had an exciting game against Hickory Ridge, winning 4-3 in the conference tournament championship.”

“Making it to the second round of the state playoffs, it was a promising season with many more to come,” added Kitka.

Team members include Madison Altieri, Ally Bingham, Kami Bodine, Katelyn Brandon, Chloe Burkhouse, Madelyn Colby, Macy Crum, Emily Dudley, Avrelle Harrell, Cadence Lane, Bentli Meadows, Emily Murphy, Brooke Piper, Campbell Schaen, Lauren Vanderpool, and Mia Wraight.

Assistant coaching staff includes Josh Schaen, Brandon Piper, Jon Vanderpool, and Shane Morton. Team managers were Sam Freitas, Kathrine Lipe and Nathan Schiller.