Cadott School Board - Compensation schedule upped to retain staffing

A computer model shows what the newly renovated front of the building and offices will look like, if the design plan stays the same for the Cadott High School. The design is at 60 percent complete, so once final changes are made, that’s it, as it would cost dearly to redo the plan and request separate bids. Submitted Photo

By Ginna Young

In order to retain and recruit teachers, Cadott is changing their compensation schedule, as approved July 15, at the regular school board meeting. The board agreed on a $1,000 raise for every returning staff member, as well as a raise every two years, of $2,000.

“Our salary schedule has been very good, but with all the credits and so forth, it’s not sustainable over a long period,” said district administrator Josh Spaeth.

It was important to create a competitive starting wage, while teachers are hard put to find a higher ending wage and benefits are “fantastic” with the district. The compensation schedule is also in-line with the biennial budget, so the district will know what they can afford.

Spaeth pointed out that they will honor any credits approved up to that point.

Of course, if the teachers do not meet criteria, receive letters of reprimand or are put on an improvement schedule, that could hold back their increases. The move is something that is similar to other districts.

“It’s in the hands of the staff at that point,” said Spaeth. However, board member Rod Tegels wanted to know what defined the teachers’ attributes to change the level they’re on to raise to the next fee schedule. Tegels voiced concerns that there really are no guidelines to get to that point.

“They’re very subjective to the person giving the interview,” he said.

Spaeth says that’s the way it should be, giving the principals the subjectivity to determine classroom management, parent complaints and attendance. The evaluation models are set by the state.

Board president Cory LaNou mentioned that if they set something in place, then the next board could can reset the policy, leaving staff expectations always changing. Tegels realizes that, but asked how Cadott can pay highperforming staff, especially if they show growth.

“What are the opportunities?” asked board president Casey Yeager.

LaNou says right now, it’s just expected that teachers not mess up, but feels if they would take a course or improve oneself, like in the corporate world, they could be entitled to a bonus.

“I think you have to be really careful with merit pay,” said high school principal Christi Machler. “That’s not allowed in most schools.”

Instead Machler says it’s about the culture you build and the support you give teachers, which determines how good they’ll be in the classrooms.

“I think it’s not so much about, show me that you’re going to be good, as supporting them to make sure they’re good,” said Machler.

That way, the teachers will feel that they want to commit to Cadott and stay on in the district, citing unity as the staff’s most requested goal.

If changes are needed, LaNou suggested that the board revisit the compensation schedule going forward.

“This is better than what we had and this matches other districts,” said LaNou. “For me, those are the key things I need to see at this point.”

The board also heard from Jennifer Polacek, with Wendel, about the 60 percent design that is completed for upgrades. The district office is being converted into the junior/senior high office, as part of a new safe and secure entry, along with a new district office and board room.

Since that addition was not in the language of the approved $9 million referendum that was passed, the money for that – between an estimated $200,000 and $300,000 – is coming out of Fund 46.

Polacek also reported about the plans for improvements to the new tech ed center, with a big, open space for flexibility.

“It’s going to be a really, really great facility,” said Polacek.

“I think you’re moving into a good bidding window, as well,” said Brian Antczak, with CESA 10.

Board member Andrea Wahl asked how the interest rates are looking, but Antczak was happy to report that they are locked in, so the district doesn’t have to worry with fluctuating rates.

Because of competitive bids and a solid, well-thought out design, the 3,000 square feet that was expected through the referendum, has evolved into 26,000 square feet, for the same amount of money.

“We will have the premiere tech center,” said Spaeth. Also discussed, is a project by baseball parents to install lights on the field by the high school, so night games and double headers can be played. Speaking on behalf of the project, Jon Bowe reported that he is working with landowners and has permission from the village to drive ahead.

State approval could also be needed, as the district owns the dugouts and home plate, with a lease on the outfield with the adjoining owners, while the middle of the field is owned by the village.

“It’s an interesting deal,” said Spaeth, laughing.

Much of the materials and labor are donated, along with most of the needed $85,000 for the lights, with the plan featuring a concession stand on the north side of the bleachers, which would burn up a good bit of the seating area. Therefore, since the dugouts are very close to home plate, the group would push them down to open up that area.

“It’d be a huge advantage for us to have lights,” said Spaeth.

During the meeting, members approved the hire of David Ludy as the director of PLC; fourthgrade teacher Alyece West; and head girls basketball coach Dusty Burish.

At a July 2 special meeting, the board approved the resignation of fourth-grade teacher Lexi Rothbauer, who had to step down, because of a lack of childcare for her daughter. Rothbauer hopes to one day, return to work for the district.

This is an extremely difficult decision to make, but is what’s best for my family, wrote Rothbauer.

They also approved the hire of junior/senior high school principal Christi Machler; lead maintenance Brian Duck; custodial supervisor Dan Burich; special education paraprofessional Ginger Waegli; and junior high paraprofessional Cathlene Lein.