The co-chairs of the Mill Levy Override Campaign appreciate that Mr. Stuart and others are seeking understanding in regard to the Mill Levy Override.
As Mr. Stuart noted, and is certainly the value of the committee, it is extremely important that all voters in our community make an educated, well-thought-out decision on Nov. 6. It is also important that all residents receive correct information. Following are corrections to information Mr. Stuart shared in his Letter to the Editor last week. We hope this will clear up any confusion for all.
1. Mancos School District has done an outstanding job of reducing costs and restructuring throughout the years of consistent decrease in funds from the State. The proposal for an additional reduction of condensing the number of administrative assistants and a Registrar would produce negative results. When the District reduced the number of Principals to one K-12 Administrator, the role of the administrative assistants became even more imperative, as the Principal is unable to be in all three buildings at one time, as well as complete the multitude of various duties assigned for the three schools. The Registrar is an imperative position as it schedules the student body K-12 to make sure they are prepared for continuing education, as well as assists with scholarships, and advising. Please be reminded that Mancos School District has the highest graduation rate in the area (93 percent).
2. When comparing salaries, it is important that information is compared correctly. Yes, teachers and classified staff are contracted for 180, eight hour days. On average, as stated by Mr. Stuart, non-government employees work approximately 240, eight hour days. There is a significant awareness to address as non-government employees are most often compensated time and a half when their work day extends an eight hour period. Teachers do not have an opportunity for over-time pay. However, when surveyed (TELL survey 2012 results), 48 percent of educators work up to 10 additional hours per week, preparing to teach their students. These 10 additional hours, each week, is equivalent to 45 additional days per year, beyond the contracted 180 days. In addition, teachers are expected to attend evening events including Open House, Family Nights, sporting events, academic events, and occasional board meetings;again, all without additional compensation. Therefore, only calculating the average additional hours, the average teacher works 225 days a year, yet is contracted for 180. This results in an average salary of $29,129 versus the 33 percent higher notation from Mr. Stuart of $48,549 in his comparison.
3. Yes, it is true that teachers contribution to their benefits is $20. However minimalthe contribution may seem to some, it does not come close to offsetting the $100 a month the average teacher spends from their own pocket to supplement supplies for their classroom.
4. Mr. Stuart also stated that a teacher entering the profession at age 25 is eligible to retire after 25 years of experience at age 50, and would receive 87.5 percent of their three highest years salary. This information is incorrect. The correct percentage for those calculations is 43.8 percent. In order for a teacher to receive 87.5 percent of their three highest years salary, a teacher must have taught a minimum of 35 years, and be at least 50 years old. So, yes, a teacher may retire at age 50 with 87.5 percent of their three highest years salary, but to do so they would have to begin their teaching career at the age of 15. (Please refer to the PERA website: copera.org for the complete schedule.)
5. In regard to the District allocating 78 percent of their yearly budget to salaries and benefits, this calculation is directed by the State and not negotiable for a restructuring of funds disbursement.
6. To some, to maintain quality teachers and programs may seem generic. Yet to others, it is extremely clear and specific. Those citizens view its specificity as, to maintain the staff that goes above and beyond their contracted time to create experiences for students producing intelligent, productive, successful citizens.
We hope that we have been able to clarify recent questions and concerns. Please note that the co-chairs of the Mill Levy Override committee continue to encourage all questions and concerns, so that EVERYONE can best understand and make educated decisions on Nov. 6, 2012.
We hope community members will be able to attend at least one of four Mill Levy Override presentations providing opportunities for question and answer sessions. The first presentation will be on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the Mancos Public Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
