[updated: meeting time is 7:45 not 7 pm]
The Board of Education is holding a special meeting Tuesday at 7:45pm in the City Hall Concert Hall. After several months of school budget limbo, the BOE is making strides towards a reconciliation. But where the chips/cuts may fall is still anyone's guess.
BOE chairman Jack Chiaramonte says the purpose of the meeting is for the board to review the budget cuts. Although the agenda reads "Discussion and Possible Action 2010-11 Budget Reconciliation", Chiramonte says that it unlikely that any vote on the budget will take place on Tuesday.
The BOE is looking for $4.6 million in cuts to bring its budget to $155 million for next year.
Finance Committee Chair Steve Colarossi says that he's planning to present an "alternative budget plan" to that of the Superintendent's that "lessens the impact of cuts on elementary schools". The current proposed budget eliminates intervention aides, some first grade aides, half of the library aides and two elementary assistant principals. Colarossi says that in his plan the burden "shifts more towards Central Office."
Also on the budget, it seems like the teacher retirement savings plan has attracted fewer teachers than expected. According to Bruce Mellion, about five teachers have signed on to the plan so far. The deadline for signing onto the plan was Friday. The $350K in savings from the retirement packages is predicated on 10 teachers taking it. I haven't confirmed the numbers with Central Office yet.
Monday, June 13, 2011
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How many meetings is it going to take before the Board votes on the budget? They've already seen the Finance Committee cuts. They've already been lobbied by special interest groups. Just make a decision and VOTE!!! Putting it off again isn't going to change the total amount of cuts that need to be made.The outcome will affect students and employees so get on with it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I would imagine it's difficult for principals and administrators to plan for next year without knowing what the financial reality will be. Plus, if your job is on the line, I'd imagine you'd want to know sooner than later whether you need to start looking elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it taking so long? There is a lack of true leadership at the top. Our new leader needs to look outside the classroom for budgetary cuts. Why is she not listening to the public outcry? That's the real question.
ReplyDeleteThere's several problems - lack of leadership, both at the District and BOE. There's the bickering between BOE members and the inability for anyone to work together for the good of our 10,000 plus students.
ReplyDeleteCompromise, and make decisions that are good for the kids, education and the district. Check your egos and your personal agendas at the door.
After just a glimpse of the budget meeting tonight it was apparent bickering, unchecked egos,lack of leadership, a spirit of cooperation and personal agendas were not left at the door.
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