Vernon School Board OKs Reorganization Plan That Includes a Part-Time AD at Rockville High School

The Vernon Board of Education on Monday endorsed a reorganization plan for the school system that turns the Rockville High School athletic director's position into a part-time job compensated by a stipend.

Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway reviewed the plan for the AD during a school board meeting at Maple Street School. The AD's position is currently full-time. Absorbing it into a teaching position is part of a larger plan to revamp the organizational chart, Conway said.

Any segment of the plan must be negotiated with union representatives, Conway said. Athletic Director Steven Phelps attended the meeting but did not speak. Conway said the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference prefers a full-time position, but wanted to reorganize to, "flatten hierarchy and get it closer to the teachers."  

Conway is also proposing a stipend AD position at Vernon Center Middle School.

The plan calls for a part-time teacher (.4 of a position in budget speak) instructing three classes, then assuming the role of AD later in the day.

Conway's initial working number is a stipend of $10,000 on top of the particular teacher's salary.

The AD at the high school works about 10 months because of early football practice.

"The intent is to create teacher-leader positions and this is not a statement on any of the work that has been done," Conway said.

Conway said she does not have a current timetable for discussions with the union.

A copy of the new organizational chart is attached.