‘Harder’ Centerville teacher negotiations end in contract

Labor negotiations can be charged, but handshakes and compliments were part of Centerville-Abington Community Schools’ new teacher contract approval.

The school board unanimously approved the tentative agreement at its Wednesday, Oct. 22, meeting.

Superintendent Mike McCoy said he appreciated another great year of negotiations, even when discussions were more difficult after funding decreases. Centerville’s enrollment decreased by about 50 students, so it receives less per-pupil state funding.

McCoy said he appreciates Centerville Education Association members understanding the issues that CACS faces and working together to make the best possible contract.

CEA leaders Brad Ream and Damon Anderson returned the goodwill.

“It is getting harder and harder, and this year we had to think a little outside the box,” Anderson said. “I think it ended up being beneficial for both sides.”

Ream said he’s informed the team that they need to start preparing for the worst next year and start coming up with potential solutions. He hopes school finances will get better, but as of now, “it’s getting bleak,” he said.

In a related matter, the board also unanimously approved the compensation committee’s recommendation of a $3,000 salary increase for all administrative employees to keep salaries competitive with other schools.

Goals

Building principals and Assistant Superintendent Sean Stevenson presented updates on the district’s progress on goals toward being reaccredited by Cognia, an international nonprofit assessment organization.

The goals:

• Improving testing data for math, reading comprehension and vocabulary
• Developing responsible citizens, which includes conducting a needs assessment on supports needed for mental health and bullying interventions.
• Providing safe, secure and healthy environments

Tammy Chavis, director of student learning, has compiled a mid-cycle progress report for Cognia showing CACS’ improvements on curriculum development and formalizing the school change committee process, which were two weaknesses Cognia noted during its 2023 visit.

In other business

• McCoy previously heard concerns that CACS’ website videos are outdated, so a company will return to create fresh videos usable for online advertising. McCoy said if one student is recruited through those videos, the cost is worthwhile.
• McCoy discussed potential revisions to board policies, which are often prompted by legislative changes. Topics include parental notifications about unpaid meals, fundraising/crowdfunding, medical needs (automatic external defibrillator requirement), controlled substance and alcohol testing, internal controls, purchasing procedures/capital assets, credit card use, travel expenses, debt management, cash balance/liquidity, and criminal organization activity.

The board could approve those policies at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the administration building, 115 W. South St., Centerville. The public is invited.

Personnel

• Departures: Centerville Senior High: Leslie Spears, cafeteria staff; John Oberle, auditorium technician. Centerville Junior High: Eli McCoy, Drama Club sponsor. Rose Hamilton Elementary: Trevor Isaacs, teaching assistant; Jayne Blunk, cafeteria staff
• Pending hires: Lindsay Schunk, auditorium technician; Hannah Wright, CJHS/CSHS substitute teacher; Kathy St. Clair, elementary substitute teacher
• Hires: Rose Hamilton: Kyra Trump, teaching assistant; Vickie Lamb, cafeteria staff. CSHS coaches: Softball: Scott Gray, head; Jason Martintoni, assistant. Bowling: Mike Gardner (girls), George Downing (boys). Swimming: Nikki Hemmerling, assistant. Basketball: Girls: Scott Beaman, varsity assistant; Stephanie Baker, reserve. Boys: Jesse Swiderek, assistant; James “Harley” Cook, reserve.