Harlan Independent Schools Superintendent David Johnson recommended the golf and cross country coaching positions, recently reduced to one position, be split to include a boys and girls golf coaching position and a boys and girls cross country coaching position.
The salary of $470 per coach will be split between the positions.
The recommendation was approved the action during a special called meeting on Tuesday.
Johnson also recommended the special education teaching positions, alternative education instructor position and E-school instructor position be declared district positions. The board also approved this action.
“This will allow the board to have the decision about whether those programs are cut or added or what happens with those positions,” said Johnson.
Board member Matt Nunez inquired how those positions have been funded in the past.
“These positions are funded with general fund money,” said Johnson. “They are not included in the council allocations. But, I want to make it clear that it is the board that makes the decision as to when or if these positions are cut or created, because that decision can have greater financial repercussions for the district.”
Board member Cindy Allison asked why these positions have not been declared district positions in the past.
“We’ve never gotten into an issue where it’s been a concern about reducing those type of positions — especially special education,” said Johnson. “My concern is if a decision is made to cut that position and it’s not a board’s decision and you have to have that position, then you’d have to come back and recreate that position and pay double for it. You’d pay for the position not cut and you’ll have to pay to put that one position back. Because of the ramifications of special education positions, it makes more sense for the board, who pays for it, be the ones to make that decision whether that position stays or goes.”
Nunez inquired about the school’s music program directors, asking whether they can also be declared district positions.
“No, I asked that question. Not as long as they are positioned within one school only,” said Johnson.
“The people in these positions do function in different schools,” responded Nunez.
“We have one that is an itinerant position, which teaches at the elementary and middle/high school and is under the authority of the district, but two are not. They teach just at the middle/high school,” said Johnson.
In other action the board:
*Approved the student tuition rates for 2013-2014 kindergarten through grade 12 be set the same as last year at $1,500 per year, and the tuition rate for Sunshine Pre-School be increased from $1,200 to $1,500 per year.
*Approved certified, classified and classified coordinator salary schedules remain the same for the upcoming year. Also approved the extra service and extended days salary schedule, with the extra service pay for the high school principal set at $10,000.
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com
















