By WILL PERKINS
Glasgow News 1
Educators and staff members who are retiring at the end of this school year were recognized Monday evening during the Glasgow Independent Schools Board of Education meeting. Building principals took turns speaking highly of their respective retirees while sharing inspiring and entertaining stories about their service to the district.
In other business, the board approved to raise all salary schedules for certified and classified employees by $1,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
While Glasgow Independent has raised employee salaries by 11 percent over the past three years, the district looked at a different approach this year, Finance Officer Sandy Moore said.
“Instead of doing a percent increase, we’re proposing a $1,000 increase to our salary schedules,” Moore said, adding that this move will help incentivize the retention of newer teachers and classified staff. “Those newer teachers or those on the lower salary schedule will get more of (a percentage) increase.”
Superintendent Chad Muhlenkamp said while the district wanted to propose higher raises for employees, the uncertainty of future federal funding led to a more conservative number.
“Not knowing what’s going to happen, per se, next year, we feel like this is something we can carry forward,” Muhlenkamp said, adding that if funding decreases, the district will still be able to maintain these increased salaries moving forward.
Board member William Thornbury said he likes the strategy of these raises, especially with the uncertainty of future funding.
“The federal government is a bear we don’t control,” he said. “If we support the new teachers, it allows us the opportunity to build.
“We can build a sustainable program.”
After board members met in closed session to discuss their evaluation of the superintendent, they returned and gave Muhlenkamp an “exemplary” rating.
Board Chair Mary Burchett-Bower said the board is pleased with Muhlenkamp’s vision for the district “and the steps taken thus far.”
2025 Retirees:
Mark Gibson
Genelle Jones
Becky Kingery
Cindy Martin
Doug Smith
Craig Cassady
Todd Garrison
Kellye Bishop
Sandy Ford
Donna Williams
Jeff Garmon
Alber Eudy
Deb Roberts
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