North Putnam board approves stipends, payout

Friday, December 20, 2019

BAINBRIDGE -- As it wraps up 2019, the North Putnam School Board had a short agenda to address during its regular meeting held Thursday evening.

One of two items on its agenda, the board approved a stipend for school administrators and counselors in the corporation.

Superintendent Nicole Singer said that they are excluded from state-funded teacher appreciation grants because they do not directly teach students. However, she said it was fitting and necessary to recognize their role in supporting students and staff.

As such, she requested a $552 stipend for those rated “highly effective” as well as a $439 stipend for those rated as “effective.” Singer added that all school administrators and counselors at North Putnam are eligible.

The board also approved a suggestion by Singer to align sick day payouts for cafeteria staff. Essentially, a specific percentage of one’s salary will be given based on honoring how long they have been with the corporation.

Singer said that 35 percent would be paid out to those who have worked for about one to two years, with 40 percent given for those who have been with North Putnam longer. At the other end, 50 percent will be given to employees who have worked in the corporation for approximately 10 or 12 years.

In other business, Singer provided a short update on the continuing renovations throughout the corporation.

Singer said that tile at North Putnam High School, which has asbestos, will be replaced by carpet. Windows needed in various places are still to arrive, but the new athletic building will begin to go “vertical” on Monday. She added that repairs made at Bainbridge Elementary School are almost complete.

Singer provided that the timeline for repairs scheduled for this coming summer were “wiggled and jiggled” to make headway. This includes the gym bleachers in both the high school and North Putnam School hopefully being replaced by graduation. The high school gym floor is set to be replaced beginning in June.

The board also recognized Monique Fields as the Teacher of the Month. She has been at North Putnam for 24 years, and was commended for her photo work at school events, as well as her leadership with English academic teams. Fields was also acknowledged for her students’ performance on state assessments.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignations: Kevin Young, fifth-grade boys’ basketball coach; and Lynna Hedge, Bainbridge Elementary instructional assistant;

• New hires: Kelly Murphy, fifth-grade boys’ basketball coach; Brandi Sharp and Scott Troutman, substitute bus drivers; Jessica McGaughey, Bainbridge Elementary instructional assistant; Julia Stevens, third-grade teacher; and Dakota Kiste, substitute custodian;

• Leave: Jamie Pieper, bus driver;

• Terminations: Jamie Pieper, bus driver; and Melissa Kline, permanent substitute;

• Transfers: Tyna Dillon, subtitute bus driver; and Marlena Bruton, Roachdale Elementary instructional assistant.

Board members Mark Hoke and Amber Greene were absent at Thursday’s meeting.

The next meeting of the North Putnam School Board is scheduled for Monday, Jan 13 at 7 p.m. in the North Putnam Administration Office in Bainbridge.

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