Courtesy of JMCSS
State insurance premiums are rising by 2%, but Jackson-Madison County School System employees will not feel the increase in their pocketbooks, according to a Friday morning news release from JMCSS. JMCSS Superintendent Dr. Marlon King this week announced to school board members his plans to take on those costs for employees due to savings in this year’s budget. Dr. King appears resolute in his efforts to invest in JMCSS employees.
“Teachers deserve better, so we’re providing better. Our district needs to show tangible support for our teachers because of the remarkable work they are completing during this pandemic,” Dr. King said.
Dr. King’s response to insurance increases is simply his latest effort to invest in teachers. Despite county leaders calling for budget cuts back in June, Dr. King championed and secured untaxed holiday bonuses for all JMCSS employees – which will be received in the coming days.
“I sought after these incentives on behalf of our educators. No agency or association told me to do it. As long as I am superintendent in Jackson-Madison County, I will invest in our employees,” Dr. King said.
Dr. King praised JMCSS teachers, leaders and support staff during the Education Vision Committee Meeting on Tuesday – noting that the rate of absenteeism among teachers is lower this school year than it was a year ago.
“COVID-19 has created a shadow of uncertainty; nevertheless our teachers continue to display a remarkable level of loyalty and professionalism. Our principals are modeling calm and confidence and our teachers are following their lead,” Dr. King said.
“In the last 10 or 12 years, we’ve seen six or seven superintendents. Dr. King, and the transparency he’s showing, that’s what’s needed in the school system,” Madison County Commissioner and Education Vision Committee member Jimmy Arnold said.