Moffitt move to Rominger approved, salary compensation report approval postponed

Following the approval of moving the third grade to the Shirley Rominger Intermediate school site at the Feb. 7 Winters Joint Unified School Board meeting, trustees were asked to approve a waterfall of connected proposals to help officially put the move into action. The first was to amend the Winters Elementary School CDS (County-District-School) code to Waggoner Elementary (TK-2) and to establish Rominger Intermediate School (3-5). President Rob Warren brought up that when he first became a trustee the school board was asked to merge the two sites to the singular Winters Elementary School. He said at the time the proposal was being sold they brought up that the consolidation of the two sites would help to share resources. Superintendent Todd Cutler explained that while both sites are under the umbrella code of WES, they each operate as two separate sites. It’s more effective and efficient for each site to have its own budget divided up by the number of students enrolled for the year. “I wasn’t here when you were asked to make them one. I’m assuming at the time it was a good decision to make it happen,” said Cutler. “It has been very clear that it’s not a very effective system for our administrations and for the collaboration of teachers. It’s really split and divided. In essence they’re two separate sites that are being held together by one name.” Trustee Michael Olivas said at the time eliminating administration positions was one of the ways they saved money, but with the conversation of moving third grade over it’s a good move back. Cutler added that while the cost of an additional principal was a little more expensive than that of an assistant principal, the goal to create a united school site that worked together as an individual unit was ideal. The trustees unanimously voted to approve the change from the WES CDS code to two individual sites of Waggoner and Rominger. Following the vote Cutler proposed to trustees to approve the reassignment of WES Principal Greg Moffitt to Principal of Rominger effective July 1. In a letter sent home to WES families on Friday, Jan. 25 Cutler wrote, “I believe Greg’s leadership will be needed as we move classrooms and create a strong third-fifth grade program.” While Trustees Olivas, Ralph Anderson, Rudolph Muldong and Carrie Green all voted to approve the reassignment, President Warren was the single ‘no’ vote. Warren said that from his observation he didn’t believe Moffitt was the educational leader to help move the school forward because he hasn’t seen the success that was expected at the elementary schools. The reassignment was approved with a four ‘yes,’ one ‘no’ vote. Many who attended the meeting shared disappointment in the comment. WES parent and volunteer Marissa Morales told the Express, “As an involved parent that has countless hours volunteering in the class, has sat on Site Council the last two years and is the current Vice President of the PTA, I have witnessed nothing but wonderful leadership skills from Mr. Moffitt, as well as his ability to connect with every single student making them feel important and excited to come to school and learn.” “I’m excited he will be moving to Rominger to make the move feel as seamless as possible. The phenomenal staff and teachers that continue to be dedicated to both sites reassures families that the focus will remain on students success,” said Morales. “As a parent, I am really excited to be a part of the next chapter for both our schools.” Trustees were also asked to accept the findings of a compensation report conducted and presented by Educational Management Solutions at the Jan. 17 school board meeting. A summary of their findings recommended:

• Adopt a job title hierarchy that reflects the relative levels of pay and job scope as well as industry practices. 
• Change the titles of 31 classifications to provide a more uniform job title structure.
• Reallocate nine job classifications to a higher range and one classification to a lower range.
• Market findings and recommendations need to be considered following action upon the above recommendations.