Minutes - Regular Meeting June 6, 2006
Personnel Commission
June 27, 2006
June 6, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Klonecky at 3:30 p.m.
PRESENT Personnel Commissioners:
Dr. Harold M. Klonecky
Dr. Owen H. Griffith
Mr. Steven M. Busch
Dr. Kris Koga, Director-Personnel Commission
Mr. Walt Heath, Associate Personnel Analyst
PLACE AND DATE OF MEETING
Torrance Unified School District Office Board Room, 2336 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, June 6, 2006.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dr. Griffith.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of May 16, 2006
Dr. Griffith moved, seconded by Mr. Busch, that the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting of May 16, 2006 be approved. Motion carried 3/0.
APPROVAL OF ELIGIBILITY LISTS – Child Development Instructor, Child Development Program Assistant Tier I/Tier II, Food Services Assistant, Glazier, HVAC Mechanic
Mr. Busch moved, seconded by Dr. Griffith, that the Eligibility Lists – Child Development Instructor, Child Development Program Assistant – Tier I/Tier II, Food Services Assistant, Glazier, and HVAC Mechanic be approved. Motion carried 3/0.
Mr. Busch inquired whether staff had been encountering difficulties in recruiting for certain classifications, particularly in skilled trades.
Dr. Koga noted that staff was currently recruiting for HVAC Mechanic for the fourth time. She noted that applicants were able to receive as much as 60 percent more in salary from neighboring organizations such as the City of Torrance. She further pointed out that the annual salary survey continues to reflect the need to upgrade salaries to a more competitive level.
APPROVAL OF NEW JOB DESCRIPTION – School-to-Career Coordinator
Mr. Busch moved, seconded by Dr. Griffith, that the new job description of School-to-Career Coordinator be approved as submitted. Motion carried 3/0.
Dr. Koga explained that this classification was created at the request of the District to replace a certificated position as a cost effective measure.
Mr. Busch expressed concern with the expectation of a classified employee being expected to fulfill similar duties and responsibilities as a certificated position for less pay.
Dr. Klonecky questioned whether this position would be responsible for the evaluation of classified staff within this program and if grant monies may subsequently be reduced with such a vast salary savings.
Dr. Koga pointed out that classified supervisory positions may evaluate employees under their supervision. She further added that budgetary changes may occur similar to other programs in which monies may be reallocated to other areas of need.
CERTIFICATION OF OFFICE ASSISTANT II ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR OFFICE ASSISTANT I ELIGIBILITY LIST
Dr. Griffith moved, seconded by Mr. Busch, to certify the Office Assistant II Eligibility List for the Office Assistant I Eligibility List. Motion carried 3/0.
Dr. Koga pointed out that the primary difference in testing requirement qualifications for Office Assistant I, Office Assistant II, and Office Assistant III positions is typing speed (Office Assistant I-no minimum requirement; Office Assistant II-35 wpm; Office Assistant III-45 wpm). She noted that this action seeks to maximize recent recruiting efforts with the utilization of Office Assistant II candidates on the current eligibility list who may wish to interview for Office Assistant I positions.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Job Announcements:
ASB Accounting Technician, Human Resources Technician, HVAC
Mechanic.
PCASC Dinner Meeting – June 14, 2006, 5:00 p.m. – Downey, CA
2007 CSPCA Annual Conference– February 15-18,2007–Long Beach, CA
Next Regular Commission Meeting:
June 27, 2006, 3:30 p.m., District Office Board Room (Note Date Change)
July 11, 2006, 3:30 p.m.-District Office Board Room (only meeting in July)
August 8, 2006, 3:30 p.m.-District Office Board Room (only meeting in August)
COMMENTS FROM THOSE IN ATTENDANCE
Ms. Sandra Honda, 2nd Vice President, CSEA Chapter 19, requested that the Personnel Commission consider changing its meeting times to
4:30 p.m. in order to accommodate employees.
Dr. Klonecky noted that meeting times have been changed several times in the past but that most employees only attended during specific items of interest. He added that accommodation may be made when the need arises.
Ms. Kathy Kelley, Treasurer for CSEA Chapter 845, asked whether the Personnel Commission budget already reflected salary for the additional staff person to be hired.
Dr. Koga affirmed that this position has been budgeted annually since the position was frozen three years ago. She added that when Personnel Commission budgeted funds are not utilized, the monies are returned to the District.
Ms. Peggy Shannon, CSEA Labor Relations Representative, requested that the Personnel Commission consider changing its rules regarding bumping rights of an individual who has promoted from one classification to a higher one, but does not subsequently pass probation. She added that the current rule allows the employee to return to the old position if there is a vacancy; and if there is none, then the employee is placed on the Re-employment List. She summarized that the requested change would allow the employee to return to their previous position based upon seniority rights.
Mr. Busch requested that staff research this issue and prepare an item for consideration in the next meeting of the Personnel Commission.
Ms. Shannon also raised a concern about the distinctions between Paraeducator-Tier I and Paraeducator-Tier II as they relate to the ability of the District to demote at-will based upon the IEP. She requested that Dr. Koga participate in meetings with the CSEA union and District administration.
Dr. Koga responded that historically demotion is a rare occurrence in comparison to the promotional gains within the Paraeducator classification. She added that she would be happy to continue discussion of this item.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned 4:25 p.m.
