School Board Approves Wage, Package Increases
The Minden FFA Ag Issues group presented their skit during the February 13 Minden Public Schools Board of Education meeting. The seven sophomore team created the original script which explores misconceptions in the ag industry found on social me- dia. After the presentation, the meeting continued with consideration of the consent agenda.
Bills for the month included two unusual costs for the this time of year: Language Arts curriculum and PowerSchool. The board approved the consent agenda including the January 9 and January 24 minutes, financial reports, and expenditures and claims for payment.
Action items began with consideration of certified staff resignations. Three C. L. Jones Middle School educators submitted letters of resignation. Fourth grade teacher Connor Brown is moving closer to home and has accepted a position teaching fifth grade at Silver Lake. Art teacher Amanda Swift will be teaching in Kearney and Special Education teacher Megan Mingus will also not return next year. The board approved with regret the resignations of Connor Brown, Amanda Swift, and Megan Mingus at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
The Personnel committee had several meetings with the MEA for certified teacher negotiations. Superintendent Jim Widdifield explained the intention is to keep Min- den Public Schools in the forefront for teachers and applicants. While some school districts have had vacancies in their teaching staff for the entire year or faced mov- ing staff around, cutting programs, or utilizing online/distance learning due to staff shortages, MPS has been fortunate.
The package agreed on by the Personnel Committee and MEA will help the district remain in this position. Kevin Raun told his fellow board members the district has a good staff and they want to be sure they have a reason to stay. The board approved the 2023-24 agreement with the Minden Education Association for a 5.40% total pack- age increase and a base salary of $39,550.
Check out the February 22 edition of the Courier for the full story.
