Houston school board gives go-ahead for teacher raises, new positions in 2017-18

The Houston County school district’s $342 million budget got the green light Tuesday. At their monthly meeting, board members approved the 2017-18 plans and recommended that the property tax rate stay at 13.34 mills.

The budget includes 2-percent cost-of-living pay raises for employees, on top of “step increases” tied to their years of experience. It also calls for 10 additional teachers, two new technology department positions and two more transportation jobs, said Stephen Thublin, assistant superintendent for finance and business operations.

Among the new technology positions, the coordinator for cyber security will constantly monitor the district’s network and make sure it remains secure and in compliance, said Cindy Flesher, deputy superintendent for administrative services.

“We need to be more proactive rather than reactive,” she said.

The board also:

▪  Approved the purchase of 76 interactive flat panels for every classroom at Pearl Stephens Elementary School, the media centers at all 38 schools and a conference room in the Central Office.

▪  Approved the extension of milk, bread, ice cream and warehouse contracts, totaling almost $1.3 million, and a new $411,274 contract with Royal Food Service for produce.

▪  Revised the Move on When Ready policy so students are not limited to 10 dual-enrollment classes within one school year.

▪  Approved the calendar for the 2018-19 school year. Students will start Aug. 1 and finish May 22. Go to http://bit.ly/2sbzdV7 for the full schedule.

This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Houston school board gives go-ahead for teacher raises, new positions in 2017-18."