Union leaders press board over experience-pay grievance; board hears public requests for roll-call vote

During the public-comment portion of the May 21 meeting, representatives of the Francis Howell Education Association (FHEA) and the Francis Howell Support Personnel Association (FISPA) asked the board to reconsider a level-three grievance and to provide a roll-call record of a prior grievance vote.

Anita Keenir and other FHEA speakers described a multi-step grievance filed on behalf of a teacher who joined the district in 2022 and argued district practice excluded credit for more than nine years of outside experience when placing new hires on the salary schedule. The speaker said the grievance was denied at levels one and two and by the prior board, and requested one of the prevailing board members bring the matter back for reconsideration.

FISPA President Jennifer Vineyard outlined support-staff morale concerns related to rising health-care costs that she said undercut pay increases. Vineyard said the union had a high turnout on a recent support-staff vote and that the negotiated agreement passed with only 52% approval, which she described as a signal of dissatisfaction. “If that isn't sending a message, we don't know what would,” Vineyard said.

Board members and administrators briefly explained grievance procedures and options for reconsideration (a prevailing board member must move to reconsider; administrative appeals were already exhausted through level three in this case). The meeting record shows the grievance remains denied; the board did not take formal action to reverse the prior decision at this meeting.

Why it mattered: The comments illustrate ongoing labor tensions around salary placement and insurance changes, and show union leadership pressing newly seated board members to act on previously decided personnel matters.

What happens next: The board invited further conversation and directed staff to continue discussions; requesters retain the right to pursue a formal reconsideration if a prevailing board member moves the item at a future meeting.