Franklin Favorite, June 23, 2016
School district rolls out incentive program
BY BRIAN HANCOCK
The Simpson County school district will offer financial incentives to administrators whose schools meet certain performance measures in the future.
The Simpson County Board of Education approved a plan last Thursday night to incentivize success by offering stipends to the administrators of schools that are rated "distinguished" for three consecutive years.
Under the plan, which was developed by Superintendent Jim Flynn, a principal or administrator will only be rewarded if his or her school is rated distinguished for three years in a row and he or she has held the same position for that duration. At the conclusion of the third year, the principal will receive a stipend of 0.40 percent of his or her salary; administrators will receive stipends of 0.20 percent of their salary. Additionally, principals will receive a 0.20 percent stipend if their school achieves the Lighthouse Status through the Leader in Me program or is named a National Blue Ribbon School.
"When they hit these marks, it's because of a lot of great efforts," said Superintendent Jim Flynn.
Several members of the board expressed their enthusiasm and hope for the new plan.
"I know we've all talked about this for a long time, and I really like it," said board member Heidi Estes.
"We want staff in our schools that are going to move us forward," said Chairperson David Webster. "This gives each school something to shoot for."
Webster said Simpson County is the first of any school district he is aware of to formulate an incentive program for its administrators. Flynn said the district is currently exploring an incentive plan for teachers as well.
The administrators' plan will be funded through the district's general fund. Franklin-Simpson High School has been rated distinguished each of the last three years.
A total of 179 of 196 graduating seniors were reported college or career ready at last Thursday's meeting by Franklin-Simpson High School principal Tim Schlosser. He also said preliminary end-of-course scores looked well in his 30/60/90 day report to the board.
Franklin Elementary principal Rachel Fairman presented to the board as well, and stated 57 percent of the area's incoming students were not kindergarten ready, according to the Brigance test. Fairman said Franklin Elementary plans to offer a "Jumpstart camp" this year during the three days following registration for those students who may need it.
Also at its meeting, the board approved a contract with Franklin Insurance Inc. for liability, property, workers' compensation and fleet insurance for one year beginning July 1, 2016 in the amount of $310,245, as well as a contract with First Security Bank, Inc., Bank of Owensboro, Kentucky as its depository for 2016-17. All extra duty supplements for the upcoming school year were approved as well.
The board also approved an agreement with Harshaw Trane Intelligent Services to install an automated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning monitoring system throughout the district. The first year will be free of charge, with an optional $12,000 per year contract for the subsequent three years if the district approves of the system's operation at the conclusion of year one.
It was announced that there were just 255 truants for the fourth quarter throughout the district, which was the lowest mark in the last eight years.
Finally, the board approved an agreement with The Medical Center at Franklin for the local medical facility to provide physical therapy services for the upcoming school year.