Crane board OKs performance pay plan

Full-time teachers employed by Crane Elementary School District are now eligible to earn $2,000 this school year as part of the Proposition 301 performance pay plan. That is an $800 increase over previous years for Crane teachers.

The district governing board unanimously approved the measure during a public meeting Tuesday evening.

As part of Prop 301, approved by Arizona voters in 2000, a portion of money collected from state sales tax and from State Land Trust sales is devoted to pay qualified teachers who meet certain performance requirements.

There are two separate requirements teachers can meet to earn Prop 301 money at Crane schools: help five students improve their reading skills or participate in professional development by attending three coaching sessions.

"If they accomplish their goals, each (full-time) staff member is eligible to receive up to $1,000 for each of those two specific goals," explained Robert Klee, Crane superintendent.

The governing board also approved Phase 2 of its Energy Savings Program being performed by Climatec. During Phase 1, Climatec retrofitted inefficient equipment and lights at many of the district’s campuses. In upcoming meetings, the board will take a more in-depth look at how Phase 2 will proceed and make additional plans accordingly.

Also, two students were recognized for their achievements.

Michael Arias, a former sixth-grader at Ronald Reagan Fundamental School, received a certificate of achievement from Principal Thomas Fletcher. Arias was the winner of the Yuma Visitors Bureau Centennial Art Contest.

Leilani Sanchez was also recognized by Fletcher. She was the fifth-grade winner of the National Garden Clubs’ Smokey the Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest at both the Arizona State and Pacific Region levels.

Also, board members and other attendees observed a moment of silence to remember Mary Perry, a longtime Crane educator who died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday morning. Perry had recently retired.

"Knowing Mary personally… I am well aware of the huge difference she made in the lives of so many, both at Crane and in her private life," Klee said. "Her 21 years of dedication to the students and her devotion to ethics and integrity made her a leader unlike any other we’ve had. Mary was a dear friend and colleague and she was a very special person. I hope she will not be forgotten."

Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.