LISBON - A Salem woman whose daughter attends the Lisbon workshop operated by the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities said she wants to form a parent group to represent their views at board meetings.
"We would like to have a voice and some input," Susan Sowers said.
Sowers voiced her concerns about the lack of a contract with workshop workers during Tuesday's board meeting, telling board members the fact that it's been dragged out shows a lack of respect for the workers.
She pointed out the contracts with the other two unions, the teachers at Robert Bycroft School and the case workers known as Service and Support Administrators, were settled quickly. She also claimed there's been an increase in adminstrative staff and vehicles being used by employees for personal use.
She was quick to say she has no problems with administrative staff being added or getting wage increases or the use of cars, but if there's money for those items, there should be money for adequate staff wages at the workshop.
"Those people do a good job," she said.
Sowers spoke highly of their experience and told the board about the possible injuries the workers face every day from clients with behavioral problems, including her daughter. She encouraged board members to visit the workshops and stay for several hours so they can see what workers go through every day.
After the board retreated into executive session before voting in public session to reject a fact-finding report over the contract, workshop workers approached Sowers to thank her for what she told the board.
In an interview, she said she was concerned about the lack of respect for this group of employees, stressing the importance of their amount of experience in dealing with these clients. She also expressed worry that staff members may leave as a result of the contract situation or worse, they could have more layoffs.
For her daughter, she said the workers have performed miracles. She gave special mention to D.J. Vargo, who's been there for 22 years. Other workers have been there many years also.
"The experience that that many years has given them is an invaluable resource," she said.
They've all been hurt on the job, but they endure it because to them it's more than a job, she explained. They actually care about the people they serve and what they give to them is a gift.
Any parents or family members of workshop clients interested in the parent group should call Sowers at 330-337-1211. She can also be reached at smclaug4@kent.edu. Her mailing address is 1483 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460.
She said she's not anti-board or anti-Bill Devon. Devon serves as the superintendent. She just said that what's good for some should be good for all.
During the meeting, the board approved new contracts for two administrative employees which included step increases, meaning they'll receive more money even though it's not worded as a raise.
Josh Martin, Service/Waiver Coordinator/Medicaid Manager, was renewed at step six for an annual salary of $47,990. Steve Kline, Director of Public and Community Relations, was renewed at a yearly salary of $43,591.
In other business, the board agreed to make up two calamity days at the end of the school year, set graduation for 7 p.m. May 27, approved summer school for July 12 through July 23 if staffing is available and approved a contract with Proforma Advanced Print Solutions to prepare and parent/guardian handbook for $6,425.
Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net
