GREENLAND — Greenland School District employees are getting their first raise in four years.
Beginning next month, all employees will receive a 2.67 percent salary increase, topped by a one-time $400 bonus.
Superintendent Charles Cudney said the bonus and salary increases totals about $80,000.
A portion of the money, he said, will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“We will be using no funds to defray these costs this year and next year,” he said “The Jobs Bill, which is $158,000, and our money, which is $50-60,000, isn’t included. The year after next, we will have to fund that $80,000.”
Cudney said the district will use federal poverty funding for schools to defray the future cost of raises.
“We have to move forward,” he said. “We have to be competitive. It comes with minimal risk. If things go as they should, then we should be fine and, hopefully, come back next year and add to it. I know this is a big step for the board to take and I appreciate it.”
The last increase Greenland teachers received was $600 in fiscal 2006. The $600 was added to each incremental step on the salary schedule for teachers with bachelor’s degrees. For teachers with a master’s degree or higher, the base was increased by $977.
In the fiscal 2007, another $329 was added to the base for teachers with a master’s degree and above.
Teachers did receive a $1,000 bonus several months ago with a similar bonus was paid to staff.
The district was placed in fiscal distress in June 2008 by the Arkansas Board of Education. The state assumed control of the district and the school board was dissolved and an interim superintendent was appointed. The district was removed from fiscal distress in July.
Todd Bohannan, board members said the benefits of pay raises will outweigh the potential cost to the district.
“Nothing comes without a little risk,” he said. “We have to compete with other schools.”
Pat Anderson, board president, applauded Cudney for opting out of the salary increase and bonus.
“It’s not a reflection of his performance, it was voluntary,” he said. “I, for one, appreciate what he is doing for the school district.”
Cudney said the district’s budget projects $215,841 more revenue than last year.
He cautioned the district faces a loss of revenue in the coming years because of declining enrollment, a drop in the property tax money and loss of federal stimulus dollars.
The district has an enrollment of about 790. Enrollment last year was 823.
“We’re looking at improving all phases of the Greenland School District,” Cudney said. “If we have people retiring, there’s a bigger chance they won’t be replaced unless it’s a position we can’t live without. We want to analyze every one of our positions and we want to the best teachers we can find.”