MILL HALL — The Keystone Central School District Board of Directors continued a discussion regarding the placement of salaries in its personnel listing each month — particularly in relation to transfers.

During its work session, Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon noted the board brought up the topic at its July meeting and asked members to provide him with a direction to go in moving forward.

The issue at hand was related to a lack of salaries listed among the employee transfers in the board’s personnel list, which it approves monthly. All other hourly rates and salary information for individuals who are being hired is listed for each employee.

At the time, it was explained they are not listed when there is no change to an employee’s salary during the transfer.

Redmon briefly touched on this prior to board discussion on Thursday night.

“Our practice has been, and this is consistent with what we’ve seen in other districts as well, when a person changes jobs but doesn’t change their salary that information isn’t typically put on there,” he said. “But there seemed to be enough back and forth with the board so I thought I’d ask you to give me specific information on what to do going forward.”

Initially, board members — including Chris Scaff, Elisabeth Lynch and Jeff Johnston — seemed to be in agreement that, due to the employee’s salary originally disclosed when they’re hired, it may not be necessary to include.

Board Vice President Butch Knauff said if the salaries were to be placed with transfers he would prefer the district speak with representatives of the teacher’s association.

“I understand why it’s wanted there… my biggest concern is the transfers that are not requested,” he said.

Knauff explained that the district could see involuntary transfers in the future and worries how staff may feel that, after being forced into a new role, having their salary shared a second time.

He added, salaries are public information.

“If you want to find a person’s salary, it’s all in the contracts with salary ranges,” he said.

He reiterated he felt it was important to meet with association representatives — who hold monthly meetings — before the board makes any concrete decisions.

Johnston noted it seemed the board may not make any changes moving forward.

“It doesn’t sound like we’re going to do it… by what I’m hearing from the majority of the people,” he said.

Knauff said that won’t be solidified until next week during the board’s voting session.

Board member Dr. Bill Baldino said he wouldn’t have an issue with tabling the discussion. He said he didn’t see an issue with sharing the salaries under transfers, even if it doesn’t change.

“My opinion is everybody we hire is basically, ultimately, an employee of our tax payers and I think they have a right to know what they’re paying for,” he said.

Lynch agreed with Baldino’s statement.

“I agree. Because when you work in the private sector the money is private. But when you work in the public sector, the money is public,” she said. “I think… the more transparent we can be… I don’t see how it could possibly hurt. We’re just being more transparent.”

Scaff agreed with Lynch and Baldino.

“I don’t see what it would hurt at all. Because a lot of us don’t know what half of these positions even pay. So when we see repetition, repetition we’re going to know,” he said. “It’s not damaging anything, it’s not hurting anything. There’s no reason to not be transparent about it. It’s adding a couple of numbers on there.”

Board member Tracy Smith said the numbers are already included when an individual is first hired.

She noted that if a person’s salary is adjusted during a transfer that is reflected in the list.

“If we’re not approving a new salary, it doesn’t need to be on there,” she concluded.

The board will consider taking action on the discussion at its voting session on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.