Comments (...)The Morris Community High School District 101 board voted to change the pay for behind-the-wheel instructors who are non-contractual.
In January, during a finance committee meeting, it was discussed that the pay for instructors teaching behind the wheel that are not contractual employees may be too much.
They currently make $45 a hour, which is the same as the union staff summer school pay. Union staff also make $45 an hour when they are teaching behind-the-wheel outside of their regular work day.
At Monday’s regular meeting, the board voted to change the non-contractual employee’s pay for this service to $30. This amount will be effective at the end of the school year. The $30 rate is similar to neighboring districts, such as Coal City, Plainfield and Braidwood.
Prior to 2011, the non-contractual instructors made $35. When the teacher’s contract went up to $45 for their summer school hours, so did the non-contractual pay for behind-the-wheel instruction.
Halloran said in January that, although it has been past practice for the district to pay the non-contractual instructors the same as the summer school teacher pay, it does not have to be done that way. The district has been paying it this way since 1987.
The board had the rate-of-pay on its February agenda, but board member Karen Meucci asked to table it to have more discussion. At Monday’s meeting, none of the board members commented on the topic.
In other business, the board approved the mission statement for the school’s athletics and activities.
“There wasn’t a mission statement pertaining only to extra curricular activities,” said Assistant Principal Jeff Johnson.
A committee was formed to create the statement, and in addition core beliefs were created.
The committee included two students, junior Molly Fruland and sophomore Leah Lines. The girls read the statement and beliefs to the school board.
“It is the mission of Morris Community High School to provide students with quality co-curricular activities that support the mission, vision and core beliefs of the District.
The co-curricular program at Morris Community High School will promote a sense of pride and belonging among the students, staff and community, with a commitment to the development of leadership, character, good sportsmanship, citizenship and life-long skills.”
The core beliefs state students will challenge themselves and others to reach their full potential; develop leadership skills through a supportive culture; will appreciate success, grow from adversity and achieve through diverse activities; demonstrate responsible behavior, accountability and provide and accept constructive criticism; students will respect themselves and others and represent Morris with pride.
The committee also came up with a brand statement: “It takes more to be a Redskin.”
“The biggest task is to take this mission statement and core beliefs and instead of putting them on the shelf, now incorporate them into our school,” said Johnson.
The brand statement will be incorporated throughout the school.
The art department is currently working it into the cover of the school’s handbook, said Johnson. Halloran said it would be included in the coach handbooks as well.
