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Superior School Board mulls boost in bus driver pay

A resolution supporting transgender, nonbinary, LGBTQ+ students is also set for approval.

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The Superior School Board will vote on a proposed boost in bus driver pay and hear the second reading of a resolution supporting transgender, nonbinary and LGBQ+ students at its Monday, June 14, regular meeting in the Superior High School Performing Arts Center. The board will meet in closed session at 5 p.m. and move to open session at 6 p.m., according to the district office.

The district’s bus driver salary schedule would shoot up by $4 to $6 per hour, depending on the step, if approved Monday.

“Finally. Thank you,” board member Laura Gapske said during a committee of the whole meeting Monday, June 7.

RELATED: Northwestern, Superior yearbooks share historic moments through a student lens “It needs to look like the year looked like.” — Northwestern High School yearbook adviser Katie Thompson

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The biggest issue the district has with hiring and retaining quality drivers is its pay scale, according to transportation director David See. The move would bump the hourly rate for starting bus drivers to $22 an hour and max out at $26.50 for drivers in step 10. That won’t top some neighboring districts, See said, but it will make Superior competitive.

“There’s a district next door doing a hard push,” he said.

Competitive pay scale changes are also being considered for a number of other positions, including payroll/benefits specialist, meal program assistant and cook.

The proposed resolution supporting transgender, nonbinary and LGBTQ+ students will become official following the Monday, June 14 reading. It cites a commitment to providing a learning environment that is physically, socially and emotionally safe for all students. The resolution also states that the school board supports human rights and equitable educational opportunities for all students and rejects any legislation or action that dehumanizes, marginalizes or violates the rights of these students.

It comes at a time when the Wisconsin Legislature is advancing bills that seek to ban transgender students from competing in girls’ and women’s school sports.

“Many boards in the state do not have the chutzpah to do this,” said Christina Kintop, board vice president.

District Administrator Amy Starzecki said the resolution directly aligns with the district’s equity statement: To be a safe, welcoming learning environment for all students.

In other action:

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  • A discussion on COVID-19 protocol was postponed and will be revisited at the meeting Monday, June 14, as new national guidelines are expected to be released.

  • The board signed the district’s 2021-2022 WIAA membership.

  • The board voted to return to the Administration Building, 3025 Tower Ave., for its meetings beginning in July. Members of the public will be able to tune in virtually and review recordings of the proceedings, but must be physically present to speak on a topic.

Maria Lockwood covers news in Douglas County, Wisconsin, for the Superior Telegram.

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