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| Madison Metropolitan School District Madison, Wisconsin Art Rainwater, Superintendent | ||
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| BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes for Human Resources September 8, 2003 |
Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street, Room 103 Madison, Wisconsin |
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The Human Resources Committee meeting was called to order by Chair Ray Allen at 6:04 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ray Allen, Bill Clingan (arrived 6:50 p.m.), Shwaw Vang
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Carstensen, Bill Keys, Juan José López, Ruth Robarts (left at 7:10 p.m.)
STAFF PRESENT: Jane Belmore, Valencia Douglas, Mary Gulbrandsen, Bob Nadler, Roger Price, Art Rainwater, Ken Syke, Barbara Lehman - Recording Secretary
It was moved by Shwaw Vang and seconded by Ray Allen to approve the minutes of the Human Resources Committee dated February 17, 2003 as distributed. Motion unanimously carried by those present.
There were no public appearances.
There were no announcements.
(Packets included a spreadsheet sent electronically (8/20/03). A copy is attached to the original of these minutes.)
Discussion: Verified some of the data included in the confidential spreadsheet. Confirmed that the number of minority applicants were a little lower than normal this year reflecting the national trend in education where teacher/administrative pools are going down. Eddie Thomas, Recruiting Specialist, is planning to include an administrative focus along with the teacher focus and travel to a different set of places. The superintendent noted that it is easier to identify higher ranking minority candidates due to a closer-knit network; principals are much more dispersed. Minority administrators are in high demand, don't have to move, and are finding it easier to get into other fields. Mr. Thomas will touch base with all the universities in the Big 10 in the Midwest then spread out. Efforts are being made to identify people on staff as well; takes time to become qualified. Most do not advance through the process because mandatory requirements are not met. Discussed experience as a factor in coming to a large district. University Educational Administration program facing the same issues. People frequently apply without having the qualifications. Initial screening done by the Director then goes to Raters and top scorers go on to the interview committee. Spreadsheets were returned for purposes of confidentiality.
(Packets included a proposed administrative policy for administrator moving expenses (9/4/03). A copy is attached to the original of these minutes.)
Mr. Nadler distributed information related to moving expense accounting records as requested by Ms. Robarts (copies are attached to the original of these minutes). Mr. Rainwater indicated that moving expenses are an individual part of hiring negotiations and that he made it a condition of his own personal employment contract with the district. The expenses come from a budget that covers other items at the discretion of the Human Resources Director.
Discussion: No formal cap but use experience in dealing with moving expenses. Circumstances under which living expenses may be paid. No experience with anyone asking for more than the district was willing to pay; people in education have different expectations. Applicants initiate the request for moving expenses.
Mr. Rainwater introduced the proposed policy as part of the Human Resources Policy Manual but that it could be a Board policy. The policy attempts to keep the ability to negotiate and defines those things to be included in moving expenses and also those things that would not be paid.
Discussion: Prefer a Board policy that prohibits paying moving expenses unless the Board authorizes it as part of negotiations to hire. Abuse of discretion in light of the most recent case and paying additional income to cover the taxes. Waived the policy to move into the district within one year. Not so important a necessity to hire. Can call an Executive Session of the Board when necessary. Difficult to find quality administrators and tying the hands of the administration would be a serious mistake and would limit the ability to hire. Paid moving expenses are expected in high-level jobs, public or private. Would delay the negotiations and may lose qualified people as a result. Move under question was policy driven and was not out of the ordinary. Most recent example was considered as part of one move; not thought of as an unusual case. Mention of moving expenses are not normally part of the Human Resources Transactions and Reports on the Regular meeting agenda. Reluctant to create a policy that substantially restricts negotiations with administrators. Pool of applicants is already a concern. Administrative pay scale is at some disadvantage within the state and nationally. Proposed policy makes sense with one addition-must be moving into the district and not the surrounding areas.
Bill Clingan arrived at 6:50 p.m.
Discussion continued: Issue is not whether to pay moving expenses but timing and requirement for moving into the district. Suggest that administration inform the Board when these kinds of expenses are included in a contract to be approved. Do not want to impose an additional barrier to recruiting personnel; should focus on academic achievement. Should be Board policy; this policy does not fit any parameters and does not have to be restrictive. Expenses can be determined by zone. The current situation is an open-ended check. Should not pay property taxes to pay someone else's taxes on a move. Proposal is not equitable. Not doing anything on minority recruitment right now anyway. Confirmed that if no Board action taken, the Superintendent can establish the proposed policy. Not an important issue for the Board; no evidence of impropriety. The Superintendent committed to establishing the policy as part of the Human Resources manual.
Ruth Robarts left at 7:10 p.m.
The Superintendent committed to consider the comments during the meeting and circulate the proposed policy before making it part of the Human Resources policy manual.
FOLLOW UP: Provide a copy of the Human Resources policy manual.
No discussion.
It was moved by Shwaw Vang and seconded by Bill Clingan to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m. Motion unanimously carried.
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