- April 24, 2024
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The Flagler County school district produces high school graduates. But should all district jobs require a high school diploma?
Jewel Johnson, the district’s chief human resources officer, told the School Board that the district has missed out on some job candidates who had experience but no diploma.
At a board workshop on April 19, Johnson presented board members with suggested changes to four job descriptions. For food service worker, custodian and bus driver, the required qualification of a high school diploma or equivalent would be replaced by “high school diploma, its equivalent or three years job related experience.”
For facilities specialist II, which would still require a high school diploma or equivalent, the number of years of experience in a specific trade would be reduced from four years to two years.
Board member Colleen Conklin asked if the district is having difficulty finding people with a high school diploma and said she would be concerned about a message being sent that a diploma is not a minimum anymore.
“We have lost some candidates,” Johnson said, noting she had the same sentiment. “But each one of (the candidates without a diploma) had some scenarios and gotten an opportunity to earn valuable workday experience. We wanted that to be a reflection in the job description, that we would also consider three years’ experience.”
“We need people in the workforce. We need people who can do these jobs.”
CHERYL MASSARO
Jill Woolbright asked if the district could hire candidates who don’t have a diploma with a stipulation that they enter a GED program with the district assisting them.
Cheryl Massaro said, “We need people in the workforce. We need people who can do these jobs.” But she agreed with other board members that the job descriptions should be carefully worded, such as saying a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
Board Chair Trevor Tucker said changes appear to be necessary.
“I think this is happening because we can’t find these people,” he said.
Johnson said she will present some options at a future workshop.
At its regular meeting April 19, the board agreed to Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt’s recommendation to adjust the district’s two communications positions.
With the retirement of Sabrina Crosby, Mittelstadt recommended replacing her position of administrative coordinator of communications and special projects with the new position of communication engagement specialist.
The starting salary of the new position will be $45,317 with step 5 of the pay lane increasing to $49,678. The district will save $49,263 with that position change.
To go along with that change, Jason Wheeler, the district’s community information specialist, will have added responsibilities, including supervising the new communication engagement specialist. His new title will be coordinator of communications with a raise of $5,086. The total savings for the job changes will be $44,175.
The board unanimously approved the changes.
