RayTEAM Report & Recommendations For Presentation to the Board of Education May 11, 2015

RayTEAM Members* Certified Employees ◦ Kim Hamilton – Central Middle School ◦ Kristy Hensley – Raytown South High School ◦ Amy Lowe-Smith – Norfleet ◦ Susie Morgan – Spring Valley/Southwood ◦ Brian Wise – Herndon Career Center Support Staff Employees ◦ Jon Coleman – Technology ◦ Valerie Ekengren – IA – Northwood Success Academy ◦ Regina Goodwin – ISC Food Service ◦ Jameson Link – Buildings and Grounds/Custodians ◦ Kathy Thompson – Secretary – Admin Administrative Employees ◦ Carl Calcara – Raytown South Middle School Principal ◦ Debbie Kingrey – Fleetridge Elementary School Principal ◦ Steve Shelton – Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Facilitator ◦ Dan Fenn *Proud to serve as volunteers to represent all district employees

Mission RayTEAM is a collaborative negotiations team, working together towards consensus to improve the quality of the workplace and recommend an affordable and competitive compensation package for all employees of the Raytown C-2 School District.

Norms Respect feelings, thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of each other Try as best as you are able to keep an open mind Remain actively engaged Start on time, end on time Remember confidentiality – obligations must be met in regard to informing people. Members can discuss issues. It refers to quoting individual conversations, etc. Do your homework Be a good listener – paraphrase, summarize, and listen to feelings and content Take responsibility for the process. Success belongs to every member Don’t let things pass Take a risk Speak for yourself but remember you represent others

RayTEAM met in September, December, January, February, March, April and May. In September we sent out our Survey to which about 970 employees responded out of about 1,350 total employees. We thank those who took the time to complete the survey. RayTEAM’s Schedule and Method of Gathering Information

Survey Information Quality of Work Life Non-monetary Jeans day Time Recognition Communication Wed. PD format/collaboration Fewer meetings Calendar alignment Student discipline

Survey Information Survey Information Quality of Work Life Monetary Safety training Plan time Training Subs Classroom supplies Class size More laptops for students and classrooms Technology issues- connection Employee fitness center Heating and cooling More staff

Survey Information Benefits Tuition reimbursement Cheaper health insurance premiums-lower copays Maternity leave Extended leave Short term disability offering Allow health insurance to begin in the month of 61 st working day Change for 12 month employee early notification incentive

Survey Information Compensation Fair and equitable Stipends Get all steps back Longevity

Actions taken: Non-monetary Time/Fewer Meetings 2 days a week of teacher plan time would be protected with no scheduled meetings. Recognition Continue service pins. Communication District Leadership Team discussion topic. Wed. PD format/collaboration The original purpose of the Wednesday format was a promise made to the community which administration does not believe should be modified. Calendar alignment Dr. Markley works closely with neighboring districts to have as much alignment as possible. Student discipline Discussed with district administration: elementary BIST continuum, buddy room concept at the middle school, and building teacher capacity to strengthen classroom structure through additional training. Jeans Day The team confirms the fact that this is a professional environment that requires professional dress. Both free and paid jeans days were added to this year’s calendar. The district has given additional days for special events i.e. Royals to the World Series.

Actions taken: Monetary Safety Training Training will continue on an annual basis with an online option available for new hires and subs. Bond money will provide guided entryways at all district buildings. Subs Explore options to increase fill rate including evaluate the effectiveness of the current leave policy and look for outside staffing sources. Classroom supplies Money is provided to buildings on a per student basis within their building budget. If you have classroom supply needs staff should communicate with their building administrator. Class Size We are within state standards and comparable to surrounding districts. More Laptops for Students in Classrooms Additional Chromebooks provided for all fourth and fifth graders. The goal is to be 1:1 district wide within 5 years.

Actions taken: Monetary Technology Issues/Connection Increased bandwidth and upgrade of wireless network will be completed in the summer of Employee Fitness Center It is a priority in the district that we promote a healthy lifestyle. Several options include opening district weight rooms, partnering with local fitness centers and doing something with the YMCA. Heating/Cooling District is adjusting temperature settings for current weather conditions. More Staff The district has a recruiting plan for custodial staff and bus drivers.

Actions taken: Benefits Tuition Reimbursement Currently Dr. Pyle works in partnership with UCM and UMKC to offer graduate credit at a reduced rate. Health Insurance Recommend a solution to offer benefits earlier to probationary employees. Short term disability and a whole life policy with a long term care rider have been added as purchase options. To help offset the 32% increase in district health care costs of $1.9M the team recommended an increase to $50/month employee contribution. Paid Maternity Leave We would like to provide this benefit to our employees but at this time we cannot financially afford this. Extended Leave We recommend a policy change which is currently being reviewed by the BOE. Early Notification Incentive Offer 12 month employees early notification incentive. $400 for 6 month notice, $200 for 5 month notice, $100 for 4 month notice.

Recommendations for BOE Action Recommend One Step increase for certified Two Step increase for classified A $2500 yearly stipend for attaining National Board Certification for teachers.

Conclusion RayTEAM acknowledges and appreciates the efforts the Board has taken to renew staff morale and community pride in our school district. RayTEAM acknowledges and appreciates the difficult decisions the Board is called upon to make as well as the time it takes to deliberate for those decisions. RayTEAM shares the same goal with the Board of Education to “Attract and retain a quality staff” for Raytown Quality Schools. RayTEAM believes that the problem solving model we use helps us to remain in a true Team effort through consensus building. We support continuing this model.