Dubbs said he voluntarily gave up 3 percent annual increases and 100 percent coverage of his health insurance in 2009 to level the playing field with other school employees.
“That’s one reason we’ve had a lot of luck at negotiations,” he said.
Labor unions for the teachers’ and noncertified personnel agreed in August to an increase in health insurance premiums (Dubbs now pays the same as teachers, 20 percent for family insurance) and to receive a smaller wage increase than the originally negotiated rate of 2 percent.
The successful negotiations reflect the positive working relationships that Dubbs has developed with the teachers, said Board President Dave Barton.
Barton said Dubbs has led the district through difficult times, starting out in 2008 dealing with budget cuts and an operating levy being placed before voters.
“He has brought a team approach to the district, working with principals and teachers to set goals,” said Barton, a former Waynesville High School principal. “He came in as a replacement two years ago. We were trying to get a levy passed. He helped pass the levy. Budget cuts had to be made and we didn’t want to lose any teachers.”
In April, Dubbs was one of three finalists in the search for a superintendent at Loveland schools, but he was not chosen for the position.
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