by Sharon Michaels
WORDEN — After reviewing the budget, Huntley Project School Board negotiators Mark Jones and Tim Moullet offered the Huntley Project Education Association a one-year contract with a .5 percent increase and an additional $20 monthly to help pay insurance costs.
Superintendent Wes Coy reviewed the budget with the teachers to show them where the district stood. Coy also explained that traditionally, the classified staff were given an increase close to what the teachers receive.
“You have the same information we do. Where do we cut costs to be able to increase your wages to the 4.5 percent you have asked?” Jones asked.
“Our budget is limited and I wish we did have a bigger pot, but this is only a one-year contract,” said Moullet.
“If we don’t receive additional funding from the state, we will probably have to run a mill levy next year,” said Coy.
“I don’t believe this will go well with the union,” said teacher Mark Moreno. With less money, you will lose teachers, he added.
Other suggestions from the teachers were good will offerings to include duty free lunches and board discretionary leave.
After discussing these possibilities, Coy, Jones and Moullet said the teachers were given 12 days sick leave and if they weren’t all used, the district did buy back two days. Also, “when a teacher is gone, we have to hire a substitute and this is not good for the students,” Coy said.
The teachers and committee agreed they had a common goal, to prepare the students for life.
The possibility of cutting school days to four 10-hour days was also discussed. Moullet said in Ranchester, Wyo., they have a four-day school week and since it is a rural community, “they love it.”
“These are all ideas we can look into and agree on parameters and costs,” said Coy.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 10 at 5 p.m. in the elementary office.
