SCSD2 realigns employee status to comply with federal labor standards

At the recent Scott County School District 2 (SCSD2) board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Marc Slaton outlined necessary adjustments to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Acts (FLSA) that will impact several district employees. Under FLSA regulations, which enforce protections for hourly workers, six district employees will shift from salaried to hourly positions effective January 1, 2025. This change is intended to ensure compliance with FLSA's overtime regulations, which mandate time-and-a-half pay for hours worked over 40 in a week.

In recent years, certain employees had been reclassified as salaried to reflect their roles as office professionals, but it became apparent that a return to hourly status was required. Slaton clarified that the intent behind original classifications change was not to avoid overtime costs, as has been a common practice in other districts, but rather to offer these staff members a professional standing in line with their responsibilities. However, new FLSA guidelines enforce stricter standards, specifying that only positions with administrative duties, a minimum set salary, and autonomous decision-making authority qualify as exempt from overtime.

By recalculating the hourly rate based on current salaries, the district has ensured that affected employees will retain their income levels. “This adjustment is about treating employees fairly and aligning with FLSA requirements,” Slaton stated, emphasizing that the district remains committed to protecting employee's rights.