How students and teachers will return back to school, whether in person, through distance learning, or a hybrid of both is still being determined, but Superintendent Jim Ray said Carroll County will begin on August 6. This was the discussion at last Thursday’s meeting of the Carroll County Schools Board of Trustees.
Ray said there is a survey that is being sent out that parents will have to complete that will poll if parents are comfortable sending their children back to school in person. He said the final decision will be determined in the next few weeks, and he encouraged board members to tell their constituents about the survey.
The board also discussed the pay scale for a full-time technology director. Currently, the district has a part-time technology technician, but Ray proposed a pay scale for a full-time technology director.
Board member Stella Washington-Bell questioned how the district would be able to afford a technology director while cutting other positions such as teacher’s assistants and reducing pay to some teachers.
“And they’ve worked up to that pay,” Washington-Bell said during the meeting. “So, how can we afford to pay this person? Do you have someone in mind?”
Ray and Hubbard told Washington-Bell that because of the options being considered in opening school next year, the district needed someone that would be able to handle the demands.
“They’re considering either one-on-one or on the computer. We don’t know what they’re going to choose,” Ray said.
“Every child will have a Chrome Book next year and the smallest thing can happen to it,” Hubbard said.
Both said they need someone that will be able to handle it.
Washington-Bell said she knew people who are technology directors and they didn’t make as much as it was being proposed. The pay scale passed 4-1, with Washington-Bell casting the lone dissenting vote.
Also, the board approved hiring a grant writer for the 21st Century program. The district is applying for the grant for the 2020-2021 school year. This time, the program which is currently being held at J.Z. George High School will be held at both schools, if awarded.
Also, the board:
Approved classified positions at Marshall Elementary and J.Z. George High School; and workers at bus shop, central office and IT shop. Ray said there are three positions that are still open.
Approved standard hiring procedures for new hires.
