USC approves two-year agreement with teachers

United South Central School Board Approves Revised Master Agreement

Introduction

Reyna Gallardo, left, and Allie Lammey, right, are the two new student representatives on the USC School Board. The pair attended their first board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Revised Master Agreement

The United South Central (USC) School Board approved the revised Master Agreement with the USC Education Association for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years during their regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

School Board member Brittany Voigt summarized the major points of the contract:

1. Staff will receive a 3.6 percent pay increase in the first year and a 6.9 percent increase in the second year, resulting in a total salary increase of 10.5 percent over the two-year period.
2. A ‘payment in lieu of coverage’ payout option at a rate of $1,200 will be available for individuals who choose not to participate in health insurance through the district. This is outlined in a separate Memorandum of Understanding.
3. The anticipated total cost of all the proposals in the contract over two years is $644,470.

Voigt reported that the negotiations had gone very well, taking only four or five sessions to reach an agreement.

2022 Audit Report

The School Board received a clean audit report for 2022 from Greg Lawson of the accounting firm of Feldmann & Company of Austin. Lawson described it as a very good audit report, indicating that the district had a good year.

Lawson also noted that the school’s attendance has increased over the last five years, which is unusual for outstate schools in the area. He highlighted that the largest percentage of the school district’s expenses come from employee salaries and benefits.

Enrollment and Achievements

Elementary principal Jennifer Taylor reported that enrollment in grades K-6 was 382 students, one less than the previous month. She also mentioned the successful Veterans Day program held at USC to honor and thank local veterans. Additionally, Taylor shared that the USC elementary students set a new record in the amount of money raised for their fundraiser, which will contribute to field trips and renting roller skates for a physical education class unit.

High school principal Jen Bye congratulated the USC Food Service for preparing a wonderful Fall Harvest Meal for staff and students. She also recognized six USC graduates who received their American Farmer degrees at the FFA National Convention, as well as another graduate who received an award in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance. Bye commended the National Honor Society for organizing a blood drive, the USC Drama Club for their presentation of ‘Frozen Jr.’, and the junior high Knowledge Bowl students for their achievements in meets.

Upcoming Events and Future Plans

Bye reminded everyone that high school parent-teacher conferences will be held on Dec. 7 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Superintendent Taylor Topinka informed the board that work has already begun on next year’s school calendar and they aim to have it ready by the January meeting. Additionally, with the contract settled with the Education Association, work will commence on the contract with the education support personnel.

Other Board Actions

• Welcomed two new student representatives, Reyna Gallardo and Allie Lammey, to the School Board.
• Approved Board Policy 9030 Attachment A, regarding school visitor code of conduct.
• Voted to approve the Southwest Adult Basic Education Consortium Agreement.
• Approved the World’s Best Workforce goals.

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