2008-02-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, February 8, 2008 AT 12:00 noon IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Luncheon Meeting with School Board BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY: Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – February 8, 2008 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Absent: Dr. Brown. Mr. Ned Michie, Chairman of the School Board, said that the meeting will focus on the proposed retention incentive for School employees. Faye Giglio, Director of Human Resources for City Schools, explained that a proposal is being developed as an incentive to retain teachers and possibly all School staff. To qualify an employee must have been in the City School System at least ten consecutive years, be at least 50 years old, and retire from VRS. They would be eligible for a an annual payment up until the age of 65 on the condition that they provide 15 days of service to the School System each year. She said we have a stronger school system when we retain teachers. She noted that the details are still being developed. Mr. Ed Gillaspie, Director of Finance for City Schools, said that the initial cost of the proposal would be approximately 1% of payroll, or between $300,000 and $400,000. He said it would be expected to cost more the first few years and then level out. Mr. Michie said one issue is whether to apply this to all staff or just teachers. He said it would create morale problems to apply it just to teachers. Mr. Norris asked if systematic exit interviews are conducted to find out why teachers are leaving. Ms. Giglio said an exit survey is done. She said pay is one reason people leave, but just moving away is another, and noted that it is hard to generalize. She said they are targeting people who have a choice of where they work. Responding to a question from Mr. Taliaferro, Ms. Giglio said that the retired teachers could provide service as substitutes, consultants or staff development. She said it would create a pool of people that could be tapped into. Mr. Norris said it sounds like a good program, but he said the School Board needs to be mindful that our real estate assessments are flat, and this will have impact on funding, especially in the future. Mr. Huja said he generally agrees with the need for incentives, but wondered if there are other ways to provide them. Ms. Kathy Galvin, School Board member, said she believes that younger teachers are looking at the here and now rather than farther out toward retirement. Mr. Michie said he hears from teachers that they want this type of incentive program. Ms. Giglio said this proposal was developed at the request of staff who have been asking for something at retirement. She said other incentives are still being explored.