Lisbon, MWCS Joint Meet On Shared Services Work

LISBON - Though not there to bask in the limelight, Edward E. Charlton was the basis of much of the conversation this week as a joint meeting between boards of education from Lisbon and Madrid-Waddington central schools was held to discuss shared services.

Having served as the building and grounds superintendent at Lisbon since 1999, Mr. Charlton received a $10,000 pay raise to split his time between the two districts this school year.

With the increase, according to superintendents from both districts, Mr. Charlton's salary and benefits total about $75,000, with payment divided evenly between each school budget.

"It is really working out. Ed is between both buildings, sometimes within the same day," said Madrid-Waddington Superintendent Lynn M. Roy.

The biggest change, Mrs. Roy said, was not having the buildings and grounds superintendent at her elbow on a daily basis.

"We've found different cultures, expectations and routines," she said.

Lisbon Superintendent Erin E. Woods agreed the process has resulted in adjustments.

"I think this has been a real positive for him. He's got the right personality and a good sense of humor. Administrators have assumed some responsibility when he's not here," she said, adding that the sharing of Mr. Charlton has resulted in Lisbon implementing ideas he got from Madrid-Waddington.

"I hear a lot of 'Don't let Lisbon know I did that for you,'" joked Mrs. Roy.

All kidding aside, the decision to share Mr. Charlton has been a positive, according to Ms. Woods.

"It's really been a morale booster for our custodial staff. The move allowed us to bring back a part-time employee we had feared we would lose," she said.

Madrid-Waddington Board of Education President Mickey Miller said the decision to share Mr. Charlton has worked out so well because he came with experience and a school background.

"He has made positive changes and improvements at our school," he said, adding that Mr. Charlton had revamped the existing courtyard in front of the school.

Mrs. Roy said Mr. Charlton also jumped right into the district's capital project conversations.

"He has some ideas for the spring. I've had to remind him that he has a budget to stay within," she said.

Other conversations at the meeting centered on further sharing of services in the future - from staff to programs, including electives, distance learning and special education.