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Hernando Today

School Board Supports Raises For Administrators, Support Staff

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BY TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: January 21, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - School administrators and the district's professional and technical staff will likely receive a modest cost of living raise this year.

A majority of the school board voiced support Tuesday for plans to give those two groups of employees a 1.81 percent raise.

The salary increase for the district's 71 administrators, which includes principals, assistant principals and other staffers, would cost just more than $94,000.

The raise for 145 professional and technical employees would cost $111,000.

A 2 percent raise for the employees had already been factored into the district's budget, Heather Martin, the district's human resources manager, told the board.

Superintendent Wayne Alexander urged the board to pass the salary increases. Alexander acknowledged the percentage would only mean an average of $600 more for administrators.

"But the symbolism, I think, is significant," Alexander said. He cited the district's progress to move from a B to an A in the state's A Plus plan, an increase in graduation rates and a reduction in the dropout rates this year as progress worth rewarding.

"It's the people in the trenches that make the difference, but they have to have strong leaders," Alexander said.

Teachers received a 2.39 percent increase this year. Alexander noted that next year could bring an even tougher budgeting process that could cause the district to forgo raises for any employees, so it makes sense to reward employees now.

Four of five board members agreed.

"I think it's very important we show them we're supportive of them and we depend on them," member Pat Fagan said of administrators.

Board Chairwoman Dianne Bonfield was the lone voice against the raises.

The money for administrators would mean little in individual paychecks, but could be crucial as the district tries to avoid layoffs. She noted that administrators also have received raises the last two years.

"Those budgetary issues are here now, and they are very real, and I don't want to look at cutting positions," Bonfield said.

Board member John Sweeney said he felt comfortable that the raises would not be "a bank breaker," adding, "I trust the superintendent is well aware of how to make up that money."

The issue will be placed on an upcoming regular meeting agenda for a formal vote.

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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