Cartersville School Board Approves Raises For Employees

The Cartersville City School Board on Monday approved a one-time 3 percent salary increase for some system employees.

The board approved the measure during its regular meeting, and the increases will apply to those who are employed in more than 50 percent positions and were working for the system as of Jan. 1.

The school system is using funds appropriated by the Georgia legislature designed to restore furlough days, restore student instructional days and salary increases. Since the Cartersville City School System is one of the relatively few systems in the state that has not implemented furloughs or cut instructional days, the entire amount will be used for the salary increase, the system said.

The legislature did not add the increase to the state salary schedule and does not guarantee these funds will be available in subsequent years. The one-time payment will be made to employees on Nov. 21 as a separate payment outside of the normal monthly payroll cycle.

Board members also unanimously approved extending Superintendent Dr. Howard Hinesley’s contract for an additional three years. The contract will now run through June 2018.

“We are excited that he has accepted this extension and we look forward to his continued service, said Board President Linda Benton. “Dr. Hinesley has served the school system admirably for the past 9 years; leading us through challenging financial times, some very tough personnel decisions, and changing academic requirements from the state. His vision, experience, and business sense have provided strong leadership at a time when many school systems have struggled.”

The Board also clarifed changes to Policy JBC- School Admissions, Transfers & Withdraws. The changes emphasize the need for permanent guardianship of students seeking to enter the school system. Schools have typically interpreted the policy to mean permanent guardianship for those adults entering children, and the wording change emphasizes that interpretation. Temporary guardianship does not authorize adults to enroll children in the school system.