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Calhoun Superintendent of Schools Tim Woodward says, "The WV Service Personnel organization has offered a settlement and both sides have agreed," related to the school boards elimination of supplements given county teachers and service personnel a number of years ago.
Woodward says all employees who were employed last year in Calhoun County Schools get their stipend (supplement) back, including both teachers and service personnel.
Just over 100 had filed a grievance.
"All employees who are employed in Calhoun County Schools this year get half a stipend back, including both teachers and service personnel," said Woodward.
"If you were employed both years this would come to somewhere around $900 before taxes."
"In return, employees waive their rights to any future demands for any stipends (supplements) now or in the future," Woodward said.
The total cost of the settlement package is $121,500.
The elimination of supplements was a cost saving move to help reduce a $1.8 million deficit.
ORIGINAL STORY 10/22 - An earlier Hur Herald story reported that originally 45 grievances by service personnel were restored for one year only, amounting to $27,000.
Teachers initially did not file grievances over losing the supplement, but according to the school systems law firm Bowles-Rice, about 60 teachers and 55 service employees have filed new grievances over the $600 reduction.
If an administrative judge restores those supplements, it appears the total amount would be $66,300.
Calhoun Superintendent of Schools Tim Woodward said, "No settlement has been reached at this time. However, I understand we are close, but the settlement is with our attorney who is negotiating the final details."
Reportedly the settlement will be a one-time deal, eliminating the supplement which was given to county teachers and service personnel during better economic times.
Some former county administrators removed from their positions have filed grievances related to reinstatement, yet to be settled.
Woodward said the removal of the supplements and the elimination of positions with consolidation of duties in the county board office was part of his reduction plan, facing a $1.8 million deficit, the largest of any WV county.
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