Opinion ID: 2134925
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Grievance of Cox

Text: Marilyn Cox (Cox) was employed by the Sioux Falls School District (District) in August, 1988 as a teacher/librarian. For the purpose of determining her salary, Cox was given credit for four years of prior experience as a librarian with the District from 1968 to 1972. Cox also received credit for three years of teaching in other school districts. Cox did not receive credit for her work in marketing and public relations for the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, as an administrative assistant for the City of Sioux Falls, or as librarian for Citibank from 1982 to 1988. Cox only disputes the failure of the District to give her credit for her years with Citibank. Cox testified at her grievance hearing before the South Dakota Department of Labor (Department) that at the time she was hired, she understood that she was given credit for seven years of prior teaching experience and that she was not given credit for her experience as a librarian for Citibank. She also testified that she was unaware of the District's practice of giving credit for non-teaching experience at that time. On May 31, 1991, Cox filed a grievance alleging that she was hired as a librarian but was not given credit for the years she served as Library Director of Citibank. The grievance alleged that the failure to give Cox credit was a violation, misinterpretation and/or inequitable application of Article I, Section C and Article IV, Section F of the Negotiated Agreement. Superintendent John Harris denied the grievance. The School Board (Board) heard the grievance in Executive Session on July 22, 1991 and by a three to two vote, denied the grievance. A grievance hearing was held before the Department on December 10, 1991. On October 23, 1992, Department issued an Order granting Cox' grievance appeal and directing District to cease and desist from like interpretation and application of the negotiated agreement. District was ordered to pay Cox back pay and pre-judgment interest and to place her on the proper salary line in conformance with the Department's Decision. District appealed Department's Decision. On April 20, 1993, the circuit court issued an Order and Judgment affirming the Order of Department. District appeals.