May 4, 2006
IT’S TIME FOR KIM TO GO!
JCAFT leaders appreciate the accounting work that Kim McPherson, Finance Director, has provided to the Jefferson County School district. She was hired, during a difficult time in the system. She worked with others in her department and in the school district to turn the deplorable financial situation into a positive. In time, employees and students paid the ultimate price through loss of programs, services, jobs, and benefits. The Jefferson County school district has weathered the storm, and is now in good financial shape. The present Superintendent has integrity and his “Open Door Policy” has helped restore confidence in the school system.
Jefferson County Board members have also helped by hiring a superintendent who is an excellent communicator. The Board members support collaboration and work well with JCAFT leaders. The school district has dramatically changed. Unfortunately, Kim McPherson has not. As Finance Director, Kim is the steward of the school district’s finances. However, she improperly uses her authority to deny employees’ their authorized benefits. Last week Kim refused to pay a pregnant employee who recently was diagnosed with Cancer. This young employee was out of sick leave. JCAFT leaders worked with school officials to get days donated to this employee through the Sick Leave Bank. Kim McPherson is still fighting to keep the employee from getting a paycheck. JCAFT appealed to the Superintendent, who overruled Kim’s decision. Instead of trying to help, Kim threw up obstacle, after obstacle to stop any help for this employee. Dr. Hammonds is a busy Superintendent. He should not have to spend his time correcting problems Kim’s heartless decisions have caused. This is only one example of many decisions Kim has made that hurt employee morale.
Kim McPherson made a recommendation to the Superintendent and Board to allow her chosen Staff Accountants to attend some special training during the workday, at the system’s expense. After completing 48 hours of training, these employees received AASBO Certification and a $4500 pay raise was rolled directly into their salaries. This recommendation did not come before the Salary Committee; this recommendation did not go to a Board Committee. JCAFT leaders did not know about the decision until after Board members passed the raise. This decision has created major morale problems for the Superintendent and Board. A loyal Finance Director would not make a recommendation that would undermine the Superintendent’s leadership and create the problems her recommendation created. Now teachers and other support workers are upset because they know that they will never be considered for a $4500 pay raise
JCAFT leaders voiced opposition to the $4500 raises for a small group of employees because other employees who handle finances, and teachers who hold advance degrees do not receive $4500. Coaches and extra-curricula sponsors who spend hundreds of hours after school with students don’t receive $4500. When JCAFT President Vi Parramore questioned Kim, Kim responded with, “I overheard an employee in the Central Office bathroom stall discuss how boring AASBO Training is.” Kim said “I couldn’t help it if the training was too advanced for others outside my department.” This attitude does little to create a positive work environment. It does little to foster a cooperative spirit among employees.
Kim McPherson’s decisions are hurting morale. Employee turnover in Kim’s department is tremendous. Very few decisions from Kim support employees. Many question her loyalty to the Superintendent and the Board. The school district has moved on to higher ground. Kim’s decisions continue to wreak havoc in the lives of our members. IT’S TIME FOR Kim TO GO!