As Newcastle Public Schools began a new school year last week, most of its teaching and staff positions were filled.
Nine new-to-Newcastle classroom teachers were hired at a Special Meeting on July 25, and then more teachers and staff were hired Thursday, August 3. A couple more were then hired at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, August 8.
To help students and parents acclimate to the new school year, Open Houses were held at each school site.
Newcastle Schools Executive Director of Academics Johnathan Atchely said, “All of our students have had the opportunity to meet their homeroom teacher at Open House this year. We believe this undoubtedly helps to begin the school year smoothly and provide a sense of connectivity and belonging for our students.
“While we do have open positions, we are actively working to fill those.”
At the August 3 meeting, four of those hired were for special education, which can be a particularly challenging position for schools.
Atchely said, “We are replacing one special education paraprofessional at the high school, two special education teachers at the elementary level, and one special education teacher at the middle school.”
Atchely reports that Newcastle Public Schools has 45 students who have special needs at the Early Childhood Center, 115 at Newcastle Elementary School, 104 at Newcastle Middle School, and 149 at Newcastle High School.
He said, “We undoubtedly have compassionate teachers who work diligently to create opportunities for our students. Our teachers care deeply about connecting their students to the learning environment and making sure they are equitably served.”
The board also recently approved a new pay schedule, based on years of service, with a raise for Newcastle teachers. The approval was part of this year’s negotiated agreement with the Newcastle Association of Classroom Teachers.
Approved rates for first year teachers is the following: Base pay bachelor’s degree was $39,000. New pay approved for the 2023-24 school year plus Teacher Retirement System is $42,000.01 Base pay for teacher with master’s degree was $40,390. Pay for 2023-24 plus Teacher Retirement System is now $43,390.01.
Base pay for a teacher with doctorate was $41,780. Pay plus Teacher Retirement System for 2023-24 is now $44,780.01.
Superintendent Dr. Cathy Walker said she was pleased that NPS is able to pay teacher retirement and provide this raise to teachers. She said their retirement will not only be paid on their salary, but also on extra-duty stipends as well.
In other school board business: • A mutual cooperation agreement between the City of Newcastle and NPS was approved which will again provide two school resource officers.
This program has been done in the past, but has grown from one officer to two.
According to NPS, the primary function of the SRO is to ensure the safety of the students and faculty and provide campus security.
They’ll provide protection for students, staff and school grounds, investigate any criminal acts on school grounds, and serve as the liaison between the school and law enforcement, juvenile officials, and the juvenile justice system.
• The school board seeking representation from the Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold law firm. The approved agreement is on an “as needed” basis and is for any work requested to be performed by the school board or by the superintendent of schools.
