Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Salary Increases Tabled By Nevada School Board; Contracts Not Discussed

A salary schedule for Nevada Schools was tabled during the regular monthly meeting of the Nevada School Board Tuesday, March 18.

This is because the schedule has to be up for 30 days before it can be approved.

Rick McAffee, Nevada superintendent, said the personnel policy committee met March 12 and approved the schedule for 1997-98 with a 5-0 vote. But, the schedule will be presented to the entire staff for a decision before the board votes on it.

According to the schedule, those coming in with a bachelor's degree would earn $20,000 a year, while teachers with masters' degrees will earn $23,000 to start. The schedule also includes $500 per year step increments for 14 years, which would put the ending salaries at $27,000 for those with bachelor's degrees and $30,000 for those with masters'.

So, until the salary schedule is approved, McAffee said, there will be no discussion on teacher's contracts.

In other business, the school had plenty to brag about as the Bluejay band had 14 members named All Region and one named All State. And, at the regional contest, held recently in Arkadelphia, the band earned all 1's in its competition.

The bands were allowed to make selections based on the school size, with the scores ranging in difficulty from one (easy) to six (difficult). Under the rules, Nevada could have played three songs in the one range, and varied the rest. However, the band played three of the more difficult tunes, with no other school even attempting the level if difficulty. Still, the Jays earned all ones and will make the trip to the state contest on May 18, in Russellville.

And, there was good news on the transportation front. The district received $88,000 from the state for transportation. This will be reflected in the April records, and will allow the district to meet its budget without having to go into its reserve funds.

McAffee said with conservative spending, the district could end the year with $21,000 more than it started with, and this includes the new teacher salary schedule monies (when they are approved).

Along with this good news, the school's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club, also enjoyed success at the district contest.

The NHS crew had the largest membership based on percentage in the state, brought home six first place honors; three second place trophies, four third place spots; another three from fourth place and three more in the fifth place.

The board agreed to allow the Rosston Baseball Association to use the baseball field, providing the association makes no changes to it.

The association will be able to use the field until the end of June, when the district has plans to work on it.

The district is also looking at buying a 14 passenger bus for special needs, such as quiz bowl and cheerleader competitions.

As the year winds down, many students are looking forward to their senior prom. This year, the prom will be held at Nevada High on April 25.