The meeting opened with Terry Harmon, Counsel to the school district, briefing on the session’s purpose to follow up on a previous virtual bargaining session. The focus was on the proposal for part-time release for the Martin County Education Association (MCEA) president. The board conveyed a preference for the MCEA president to maintain a full-time position, citing existing job-sharing opportunities under the current CBA. Additionally, they discussed the urgency of reaching an agreement and its potential effect on forthcoming meetings.

One of the central topics was the evaluation criteria for a teacher on special assignment, emphasizing adherence to board policies, annual contracts, and professional standards. Concerns about supervision of the MCEA president were voiced, pointing to potential conflicts of interest and the necessity for a consensus on who the supervisor should be. The job description for the teacher on special assignment was scrutinized, and updates were requested to align with the proposed evaluation instrument.

The discourse moved to the job share proposal and its implications for an employee on leave. There were mixed opinions on whether an employee, while on leave, should be allowed to apply for a job opening for which they are qualified. This segued into the intricacies of the CBA, the ramifications of enabling the employee to return from leave early, and the necessity for a personnel action change. The board grappled with the language of the CBA and how it might affect the practicality of implementing a job share situation.

Furthermore, the discussion explored the possibility of a job share affecting FRS benefits and the deadline for job-sharing applications. A board member raised concerns about a potential FRS benefits shortfall if an employee did not work full time, while another underscored the benefits of part-time roles, including positive outcomes for students and the district’s graduation rate. The Assistant Superintendent of HR explained that job sharing requires a demonstrable need for a position and must receive approval from the principal. The board showed a commitment to resolving these issues within the afternoon.

The board also considered a proposal for a part-time position, acknowledging a pressing deadline for the posting. Deliberation ensued over whether to add this item to the agenda for the August 6th meeting. The debate extended to the terms under which a teacher might be allowed to transfer and the potential for the CBA to accommodate termination of the position due to financial constraints or membership changes. After a caucus to discuss the proposal and potential CBA amendments, the board planned to reconvene to review the alterations and possibly schedule it for discussion at the meeting on the 29th, along with setting a follow-up session to address remaining issues.