On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Archuleta School District (ASD) held their regular work session and meeting, during which the school board addressed the issue of teacher salaries.
At last month’s meeting, Aaron Wamsley, the president of the Pagosa Springs Education Association, brought up teacher salaries, insurance costs and class sizes. Wamsley is a second-grade teacher with the ASD, who has taught in the district for four years.
Tuesday night, Wamsley presented to the board during the time for public comment, once again highlighting insurance costs.
He commended ASD Finance Director Mike Hodgson for calling a meeting for the salary committee, which will be held Jan. 20.
According to Wamsley, this is the first time the salary committee has met in seven years. Superintendent Linda Reed clarified later in the meeting that this is because the salary committee only gives recommendations concerning “new monies,” which the district has not received since 2009. This is based on the district’s Fair Share Policy.
Wamsley then inquired after the district’s insurance plan, asking, “Would the district consider switching from a flat $525 contribution to insurance to a more reasonable percentage-based system?”
Initially, Wamsley requested that the board respond to his questions with a thumbs up, thumbs down or in-between. To which the board did not agree, stating they needed more information before providing a response to his questions.
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