Pam Dudding Contributing writer
Extended hours have been a norm now for most every person working in the Craig County school system due to the coronavirus pandemic causing a drastic change in how “school” is conducted on a daily basis.
Jeanette Warwick, Superintendent gave kudos to all the staff for their steadfast dedication and going above and beyond the call of duty during this crucial time of continuing to pursue excellence in teaching.
Also, the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) awarded certificates to several members, based upon “participation and special development for the commitment to effective school board governance through participation in the VSBA School Board Academy”.
They were:
- Jeanette Warwick – Award of Distinction
- Sonja Switzer and Diana Bayne – Award of Recognition
- Trace Bellassai and Gina Smith – Award of Recognition
- Faye Powers – Award of Excellence and a Silver VSBA pin for earning 48 credits in two years
- Susan Crenshaw – Award of Achievement and the Bronze VSBA pin for earning 24 credits
Also, Warwick informed the Board of the good news that she recently received a memo that they would receive a federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) of $100,000.
The relief fund is based on enrollment. However, she noted that all the smaller schools just received the flat $100.000. These funds have to be spent by December 30.
She made a proposal to the School Board, to use the funds to provide a one-time pay supplement to eligible groups of employees.
Warwick hopes to issue the checks with the November payroll.
“Some employees are not eligible for the supplemental pay to come out of the CRF funds,” she shared. “Therefore, if we choose to do this, I’d like to make sure that all of our employees receive a supplemental pay.”
She requested that non-exempt employees receive a $1200 or $500 check.
Warwick reported, “We have 62 exempt employees, 39 non-exempt and we would also have to pay FICA, so I’d like to request an additional $12,586.48 for those employees that the CRF funds cannot be used for.”
The Board agreed and passed the request with full support.
“I just know that these teachers and administrative staff is working 12-hour days and part of their weekends to get through this,” School Board Chairman Susan Crenshaw shared, “It is good to recognize how much work they are doing.”