BOE nixes part-time status for 3 teachers

In a stinging rebuke of school administrative leaders, the Jackson County Board of Education voted against having some retiring full-time employees work as part-time educators next school year.

The board voted 3-2 to oppose giving the workers part-time status for three employees in the 2010-2011 school year as had been proposed by Superintendent Shannon Adams.

Board members Michael Cronic, Tim Brooks and Kathy Wilbanks voted in opposition to the part-time employment proposals, while board members Jill Elliott and Lynn Wheeler voted in favor.

The BOE’s move was apparently in opposition to the idea of allowing retiring educators to “double-dip” by earning retirement while also working part time for the system.

As chairman of the BOE, Wilbanks has been critical in the past of such a practice. Last month, she voted against the re-hiring of assistant principal Bruce Yates as a part-time employee, but lost that motion on a 3-2 board vote. Yates is also a part-time county commissioner.

This week, Wilbanks’ position on the part-time workers prevailed.

“We’re laying off young people that have families,” Wilbanks said, pointing out that the system had cut more than 80 positions over the last two years. “I appreciate the contribution that the people have made to education and we thank them for their service, but I think it’s wrong to eliminate young people (teachers) that have promising careers to keep retirees that are drawing a retirement check,” she said.

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#1 KitKat on 05/12/10 at 02:54 PM [Reply]

There were others on the agenda being approved for 49.5%, yet the board only chose to pick on three teachers. If you look closely at the agenda you will see at least 5 others who were approved for 49.5%. So, why is the board speaking out of both sides of their mouth. If they are going to not approve three teachers, why are they approving others? Jackson County parents, teachers, and students need a board that is fair and consistent and we definitely do not have one.

#2 Big Papa on 05/12/10 at 05:38 PM [Reply]

All 49% jobs should be cut. It is double dipping and shouldn't be allowed. There are young teachers getting cut or can't find a job, and they would do a better job than those just working 8-12 every day to draw another paycheck. They've done their time, and it is time for them to move on and let someone young and fresh take over.

#3 Bookworm on 05/12/10 at 05:57 PM [Reply]

I don't understand why Sarah Greene continues to work at 49% if this is the case.Her "double dipping" probably amounts to much more than one of those retired teachers.

#4 Melinda on 05/12/10 at 11:52 PM [Reply]

Sarah Greene needs to go. Fire her. Anyone that is already retired needs to go. There are many people out there that needs these paychecks. We need a totatly new BOE. And superintentend. As soon as possible.

#5 JW on 05/13/10 at 04:42 AM [Reply]

Be careful what you ask for in ignorance. Often there is a need for a half time teacher. They're not easy to find. Take away the 49% retirement option, and student's options will be diminished. Same with administrators. Often a half time administrator will serve the purpose. Take away the option, and you'll have to hire a full-time administrator (more $). If the 49% option is not available, many will not retire at all. Many don't seek the option, but it's comforting to know it's there if needed. Long term, system costs go up. Many retirees are still supporting children, many in college, and will hang in there for many more years. Last thing - you give up powerful experience that can be a huge help to kids -- and kids are the point.

#5.1 Bookworm on 05/13/10 at 07:17 PM [Reply]

JW,I don't have a problem with teachers working half-time after retirement. I do have a problem with letting some take advantage of that opportunity,and turning others down. I believe this should be an across the board decision,whether the employee is in the classroom or in the central office.

#5.2 Okay on 05/14/10 at 11:47 AM [Reply]

J>W. how dare you call us taxpayers ignorant. Either you need an employee or you don't, save your spin.This is just more of the same the school system taking care of each other at the tax payers expense. Bruce Yates draws three checks from the County and pretends he is a fiscal conservative. reirement, Asst. Principal, Board of Commisioners.

If we had results it might be worth it, but wake up Ga. is in the bottom 5 of the nation and Jackson County in the bottom of Ga. But the administation and their cronies keep getting paid.

#6 NIGHTINGALE on 05/13/10 at 02:05 PM [Reply]

I'm sick of hearing its for the children. Nobody gives a damn anymore. Georgia is last in education. If Jackson County has so much powerful experience, then why are we failing. Talk is all it is. Tell it to someone else, because this parent and taxpayer doesn't believe a word of it. I agree with another blogger that said," KEEP ON CUTTTING."

#7 Jamie on 05/13/10 at 09:45 PM [Reply]

Young and fresh is right. But I do want someone to tell me what do you call the hair color on the heads of the old hads at ej elem. Its not blonde. Its like a q-tip. Bleach does not make you blonde.Its like someone put cotton balls on the ends of pretzel sticks.

#8 Wasted Money on 05/16/10 at 10:24 PM [Reply]

If Bruce Yates cared about the citizens of Jackson County, he would not accept the part time position after other people have been denied. I would rather see a teacher position filled instead of an administrator. It sounds like someone is trying to take care of this County Comissioner.

#9 wornouttaxpayer on 05/18/10 at 09:38 AM [Reply]

if a half time administrator can do the job, then why did they have a full time person before?? sounds like a lot of wasted $$. but, hey who cares as long as they take care of each other. time to clean out the rats on a sinking ship starting at the top!!!!

#10 a parent who knows on 05/18/10 at 12:35 PM [Reply]

I'm not an ignorant parent nor am I blind. I have children in the Jackson County school system, and I have been told by Jennifer Halley that the only reason they want the kids at school sick or not is not because they care about the kids but because our kids bring the school more money for everyday that they are present. She nor any other administrative personnel give a flying flip about those kids, it's all about how much those kids get for them from the state and how well the kids make them look. If you gave a damn about the kids then you don't want them at school making others sick, but not EJES bring the kids on to school so they can pass their germs on to everyone else.

#11 whatnext on 05/19/10 at 03:19 PM [Reply]

If there is truly a need for half-time teachers, couldn't non-retired teachers be hired in leiu of allowing teachers already collecting a pension from the system to double dip?

Or...how about this idea...instead of hiring say......4 half-time double dipping teachers, how about hiring 2 full time teachers who don't have jobs.... or income at all? Put someone who truly needs a job to work!

And Bruce Yates....doesn't surprise me that he double dips. I haven't liked that man since I had the displeasure of dealing with him while he was Asst. Principal at JCCHS.

#12 GOP on 05/21/10 at 11:11 AM [Reply]

Melinda states that we need a new School Board. Where were you when it came time to sign up to run? I am not in favor of this double dipping at all if you want to retire than retire if you want to continue to work than don't retire. These people know they will be returning and calculate what they will make. Great if you can get it. How many are relatives of those on the board or another politician in the County?

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BOE nixes part-time status for 3 teachers

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BOE nixes part-time status for 3 teachers

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