BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Tuesday, September 6th, at 2 p.m., a retired employee will appear before the Hillsborough County School Board. The purpose of his appearance is to respond to Level III of the grievance he filed prior to his retirement.
Henry Ballard, Jr., said his on-going battle began in March 2008, after his position changed and with it came more responsibility. However, Ballard said his pay grade remained the same.
He stated that he brought the matter to the attention of his immediate supervisor and to Mrs. MaryEllen Elia, Hillsborough County School District Superintendent. Eventually, he stated that he was given a 68 cents an hour raise and his pay grade was changed.
Ballard said the difference in his salary and that of others in comparable positions was approximately $35,000 less per year. He said the District has refused to formally review the position and adjust the salary as it should be.
“I have worked tirelessly to bring the program from having a budget of $1,084 for the entire community to a million dollar organization. But, the District will not be able to keep a competent person in this position if his or her salary is not at the level it should be. I have learned that since the Office has been vacant, the database we worked so hard to create has only been used by one principal this summer, which is a requirement for principals to use.”
He further stated that this fact alone proves the position should have been filled immediately upon his retirement. The school district decided to keep it vacant for up to 90 days.
Ballard same he feels that he has been disrespected and not treated fairly by the Superintendent and some of the board members. “I want to be treated fairly and have the board acknowledge and correct the discrimination and disparity of this situation,” he said.
Ballard said that his salary should have been changed to reflect those new responsibilities. He stated that he responded to Levels I and II of the grievance process and appearing before the Board is the next progressive step.
Ballard will have 10 minutes to speak during the early afternoon session. Beginning at 5 p.m., members of the community will have a chance to speak during the public forum.
