News Board Members Take Oath; Board Approves Payroll Changes, Elects Officers

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Three Florence County School District Three board of trustees were sworn in to office and trustees elected offices for 2017 during the board’s Jan. 19 meeting.

Almeta Fleming (Seat 1 – Olanta), Rodney Poston (Seat 2 – Coward) and Debra McKnight (Seat 3 – Scranton) took the oath of office after being elected to the board in November’s general elections. Ms. Fleming and Mr. Poston were both elected for the first time, while Mrs. McKnight was re-elected for a second term.

Dr. Lane Floyd was re-elected chairman of the board by his fellow trustees. Barbara Singletary-Bryant was re-elected vice chair and Paula Morris was re-elected secretary.

In other business, the board approved a revision to Policy DJC (Payroll Procedures) that changes the frequency payroll checks are issued from every two weeks to twice monthly. Employee salaries will be spread over 24 paychecks in a year rather than 26.

The change will take effect with the new fiscal year that begins July 1. Paychecks will be issued on the 15th and 30th of each month. If those dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the checks will be issued on last business day before those dates.

Superintendent Laura Hickson explained to the board that the policy revision will require less time to process and will make it easier to project payroll costs for budgeting purposes.

The board also approved the district calendar for 2017-2018. The district Calendar Committee developed two possible calendars, and 86 percent of employees who voted selected Option 1.

Following an executive session, the board voted to rollover the superintendent’s contract for another year, giving Ms. Hickson a three-year contract as superintendent.