A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Norwalk Superintendant Susan Marks has created a prioritized list of 30 spending cuts that she would put back into next year's school budget if the Board of Education finds more money. The list of cuts total $4.27 million. See below for the entire list.
Norwalk Superintendant Susan Marks has created a prioritized list of 30 spending cuts that she would put back into next year's school budget if the Board of Education finds more money. The list of cuts total $4.27 million. See below for the entire list.
"We are hoping for help from the unions," says Marks who confirmed that the school board is currently talking to "major unions". Marks, however, would not specify which unions. Marks says that in addition to the hoped-for union concessions, the finance department continues to look for savings related to efficiencies and renegotiated vendor contracts. In early May, the Board of Estimation & Taxation set the 2011-12 operating budget at $154.8 million.
A revised list of Marks' proposed cuts was presented at the May 5 Board of Education finance committee meeting. It includes a total of 44 positions, including two elementary assistant principals positions, 15 teaching positions, reduction of elementary librarians to 19 hours a week, elementary interventions aides, two central office administrators, the third-grade strings program and Roton Planetarium position.
Elementary schools have taken the biggest hit with $1.8 million of the $4.2 million in cuts. Central office follows with $1.3 million. The middle schools and high schools have a half-million in cuts. "There are more elementary schools, so there's more to work with there in terms of finding cuts," Marks says of the district's 12 elementary schools.
However, elementary schools are also on the top of the list as far as possibly reinstating positions. The top four "put backs" are two elementary assistants, five of the 15 teaching positions, elementary librarian hours and 12 intervention aides. "Elementary is critical," said Marks. "That's why those items will be put back first."
At the district's central office, Marks is cutting two senior administrators positions: grants specialist Italia Negroni, who was hired last year, and a social studies specialist position held by Joan Glass. Currently, Glass is also in charge of the Academically Talented Program.
Marks says that she doesn't yet know which of the 15 teacher positions might be cut. When the school board reconciles the budget, Marks says she'll evaluate factors such as class sizes and teacher retirements.
Steve Colarossi, Board of Education Finance Committee chairman, says he is "frustrated" because he hasn't seen an impact statement from Marks on the cuts. "I have yet to see a comprehensive plan about how the duties of an intervention aide, for example, will be shifted," he says. "I don't the how, why and wherefore of the cuts with clarity."
Marks said her office will provide Colarossi with impact statements. "Basically, other people are going to have to pick up the load," says Marks.
The proposed budget will be discussed at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting. The reconciliation process will go through June, when the school board must adopt its final spending plan for next year.
Superintendent's position priorities to be put back in when money becomes available:
(according to document distributed at May 5 BOE Finance Committee Meeting)
1. Two elementary vice principal positions--$265,720 (includes salary and benefits)
2. Five of 15 teaching positions that were eliminated--$343,420
3. Six elementary librarian positions that were eliminated--$178,200
4. 12 intervention aides--$306,864
5. Two high school secretary positions--$105,798
6. Strings teacher--$86,060
7. Four first grade aides--$114,436
8. Columbus aides' hours--$142,932
9. Two Central Office instructional specialists--$320,024
10. Staff developer--$133,209
11. Five of 15 teaching positions that were eliminated--$343,420
12. Librarian at Brien McMahon High School--$110,344
13. Guitar teacher--$86,060
14. Security positions at Norwalk High School--$65,380
15. Numeracy coaches--$172,120
16. Literacy coaches--$91,950
17. Five of 15 teaching positions that were eliminated--$343,420
18. Middle school guidance counselor--$86,060
19. Finance/HR Department position--$49,760
20. C/I secretary position--$85,795
21. Food service worker--$35,427
22. Custodial vacancy position--$68,760
23. Planetarium position--$95,160
24. Reserve nurse position--$47,380
25. Head of security--$87,900
26. 0.5 technician positions--$29,207
27. Four reserve teachers--$344,240
28. Reserve aide positions--$53,080
29. Police security funds at high school--$52,000
30. Instructional materials--$25,414
Posts
Shouldn't everyone we elected to the BOE be concerned that Supt. Marks doesn't know her cuts will affect the kids?
ReplyDeleteThis list is devastating, really any of these cuts will be so painful. The planetarium is a gem of Norwalk, it enhances our curriculum and provides a low cost field trip for our kids. Library resources are vital, particularly if Literacy Coaches are to be cut! Cutting our aides will impact the schools so much, really there is so much on this list that would make a negative impact. So sad, all of it!
ReplyDeleteway to stand behind your superintendent Mr. Colarrossi, why don't you give us your list?
ReplyDeleteLet the kids do the talking,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKdFi_LnGeU&NR=1&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2p5augniQA
ReplyDeleteWe are all getting older, too fast.
Lets conquer these mountains, together.
Lisa D.R. - hopefully the Unions will do their part and save most or majority of these jobs/programs. What is not clear to me is what the Unions will be asking for and how reasonable it will be in the long or short term. This is the best opportunity for the unions to not only be heroes but also juice up all they can to benefit them in the long run. Dr. Marks is doing all she can with the resources she currently has - her staff and BOE leaders. We may not agree on these cuts but the BOE has yet to come up with suggestions or solutions to this budget. They are watching Dr. Marks drown on her own to later blame the 'previous' administration. Steve, you are the 'Financial' vision of the Boe - show us your suggestions....lay them all on the table!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding, Susan Marks? Haven't you read the comments on this blog about suggested cuts? The Director of Elementary Education's position is not wanted. That is a position that should be taken on by the superintendent. It would be most effective to have the superintendent evaluate the 12 elementary principals. That is a position of little value except to evaluate the elementary principals. It was not even in existence until recent years. Is there a teacher's 'pet' here? What is going on down in central office? Isn't anyone listening??????????????
ReplyDeleteagree with poster 8:58, Mr. Colarrossi put up or, well, you know
ReplyDelete9:15, the argument, about the director of elementary has been more about the person than the job itself. Most of the complaints noted on the site had to do with - process, lack of experience and incopetence of the individual. Would you consider eliminating this position if the individual was 'truly' achieving the standards and requirements of this position? Would you complain then? yes, there were suggestions made on this blog and those have yet to hit the chopping block - and no I am no teacher, I'm a parent with a view.
ReplyDeleteThe Director of Elementary Education only evaluates 12 principals. That's it. I was being kind by not mentioning the person in the job.
ReplyDeleteIf the superintendent wants to eliminate certain principals who are not doing the job, the superintendent needs to evaluate these principals. That was how it was done by Ralph Sloan. He evaluated the elementary principals. It makes perfect sense for Susan Marks to have that clout now!
number 7 and 8 on the list only 4 aides to get their jobs back? what about the rest of the first grade aides. More hours for columbus aides? what about the aides whose hours were cut also why does this school get special treatment? Im sure the other aides what the same treatment
ReplyDeleteThe literacy and numeracy coaches also look pretty far down on the list too. How can that priority be so low for a district that has trouble making AYP in math and reading? Just saying. . .shouldn't we be separating the wants from the needs?
ReplyDeleteFolks,
ReplyDeleteWe're down to the wire now with cuts and it's not going to be pretty. Unless the two largest collective bargaining units agree to a pay freeze...this is where things end up. There are NO GOOD CUTS! As to specific members that get repeatedly mentioned in these blogs...they are protected as well by collective bargaining
agreements as well. With all but 4 indidividuals in this district protected by 'non-negotiable contracts' we must hope that Dr. Marks can work with the heads of the two major unions to find a solution for the children of Norwalk.
Aside from that folks, write to our local State Reprentatives and Senator and ask for their support for Norwalk and to fight for education reform, specifically for things like fair ECS funding and an end to LIFO and and implementation of adult accountability measures so that when reductions come they can be based upon performance and not local cronyism or 30+ years of NPS politics.
This community needs to support Dr. Marks. She is having to be the grown up in the room and do Norwalk's dirty work...while everybody else in the room throws disingenuous hissy fits.
No, 4:03 AM. You are sooooooo wrong. We all know and understand the NPS over the years. Susan Marks is new to Norwalk. It is insulting to say we are throwing disingenuous hissy fits. Where are YOU coming from? Perhaps you didn't make the cut list and are fighting for your position by posting here? Sounds like you are the disingenuous one.
ReplyDeleteThe grade one aides directly affect students, as do many of the cuts made. Why wouldn't people who post, whether teachers, parents or administrators, be genuinely concerned about the elimination of jobs that directly impact the schools???
Same tired personal attacks here.... The poster should at least change their style and language. I'm waiting for the oft-repeated suggestion about appointing one of the senior principals to run elementary principals' meetings. I can just guess who they have in mind...... Let's give that one a stipend, too. This would be an awful lot of power concentrated in one place.
ReplyDeleteWhat am I missing? Seriously-- some of you want to attack a lone BOE member who raised some questions-- are you really faulting someone for wanting information?
ReplyDeleteEvery BOE member needs to know how the cuts will affect our kids' educations. Every BOE member needs to know how critical jobs will get done when important positions are cut.
It's time for Supt. Marks to explain these cuts to all of us!
It always comes down to the last day, the last minute and the Board will cut what they want to cut. Who are they? Are they in the classrooms?
ReplyDeleteI rather like the idea of giving the principal a stipend. Splendid idea.
ReplyDeleteAs a Board of Education member, I have a duty to every citizen (whether student or taxpayer) to abide by the charge imposed by our City Charter-- that means, taking seriously the obligation to pass a responsible line-item budget that reflects our community's values.
ReplyDeleteFor me, that means being sure that every dollar is being spent wisely and, to the extent that cuts are needed, that any reductions are made to areas that will not directly impact student learning.
The only way to effectively evaluate any budget proposal is to have complete information about the impacts of proposed cuts and then analyze how we, as a school district, will implement those cuts to have the least impact on our students.
That is why I was so bold as to ask for impact statements on each of the proposed cuts. I believe that the magnitude of cuts to the elementary schools would not further the educations of our most vulnerable students (which I believe is critical for closing the achievement gap). Given the size of the 2010-2011 deficit we must address (which is detracting from available funds for 2011-2012), I think a critical examination of our past and future spending is necessary. Having had concerns about this issue, I did address it at the January Finance Committee and have been insisting as the Finance Committee chairperson that we be provided with the monthly year-to-date budget summary which the City Charter obligates the school department to prepare and submit to the City.
As we today received the requested impact statements, I will be reviewing each of them carefully and will gladly report back here with the recommendations that I would make (but only after continued and diligent research).
Steve, your honesty is greatly appreciated. I think you will find that there are cuts that dramatically impact the students, but that is for you to ascertain.
ReplyDeleteMeantime, to the person who commented about the stipend for a principal being a problem, I have only one comment. If an elementary principal got the stipend, at least something effective would get done at principals' meetings!
#5:44 Are you sure that was honesty and not just hubris.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of "hubris" is: an excess of ambition, pride, etc, ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin (from dictionary.com).
ReplyDeleteHow does an elected official admitting he doesn't have all the info he needs to make a decision "hubris"?
Make what decision????? - when there has been little to no suggestions from the Finance Committee - don't worry Steve you will have the Chairperson position next year - so please stop with your blah, blah, blah! Give us something better to work with - allocations of this budget is right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, 12:13, but you're the anonymous parent education reform advocate, what are you suggesting be cut?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you support Supt. Marks who wants to cut intervention aides, first grade aides, assistant principals, literacy specialists and librarians in the Elementary schools. Lucky for us, she wants to keep her Director of Elementary Education. I know that having someone in city hall will defintely help our kids learn to read alot more than aides and reading specialists in the classrooms.
*standing ovation for 2:26* who knows the truth about the superintendent's Director of Elementary Education. Reinstate the aides! Eliminate the position in city hall. Steve, we need your help.
ReplyDeleteYeah - standing ovation 2:26. First, you can't do reform during these difficult times we are facing in our school - so, no I'm not an advocate for reform. Second, i do have my own list - just like most of you - I want to see a combination of Director of Elementary and grants, I want Bruce Morris hours reduced or combined with an hr position, not Fayes' position of course. We should not be paying $46k of Bruce Mellions salary, and the list noted by dr. Marks should be rearrange! Eliminate VPs in Elementary schools, and the priorities' list is out of whack!
ReplyDeletegood comments, what also is interesting Dr. Marks wants to keep her new hires and justify it by having the kindergarten aides who were originally paid thru the city budget now be paid out of the priority grant thus forcing the getting rid of first grade aides.
ReplyDeleteWhy is a certain elementary school having their aide hours reinstated number 8 on the list why not use that money to bring back the rest of the 1st grade aides not just 4 positions
well..stay tuned. the budget discussions are getting to be more interesting. Keep your ears to the door and your eyes wide open - its all coming out.
ReplyDeleteThe merging of the Director of Elem Ed position with the Grants position gives one person tremendous power. That's not a good idea. It allows this person to play favorites among her principals with grant money. Eliminate the Director of Elem Ed. position and make the Grants position 1/2 time. The stipend to appoint a principal to hold meetings for 12 principals makes sense. Someone want to do the math? It translates to savings of 1 1/2 administrative positions with benefits)
ReplyDeleteWas anyone at the Finance Committee meeting to hear how Supt. Marks defended the Dir. of Elementary Ed? [Moina- were you there? going to report on the discussions?]
ReplyDeleteFrom what I heard, she emphasized that the position evaluates principals and holds them accountable. From what I know, neither task is being accomplished with much success.
Lisa, you are absolutely correct. Neither task is being accomplished with much success, if any at all. The position of Director of Elementary Education is not functional or practical. At present, the appointed person offers no credibility. Ask the senior principals.
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing that Marks doesn't know what she is doing. Lots of people hope that Steve knows this and will act on some of her unfavorable cuts and new suggestions.
I was there, the finance committee eliminated, although not voted on yet the following: the dir of elementary position eliminated, grants position, they put back the planetarium, they put back the guidance counselors in middle school, although the principals from west rocks and Linus said they can do without - go figure and the agreed to most of the list that the budget committee reviewed. There is still aprx $2m to cut!
ReplyDeleteThis superintendent has brought very little stability to the budget process. Morale is low among all of the ranks. Every other week different positions appear on the cut list. In the past there were never so many changes. Now is the time to show some leadership.
ReplyDelete9:12, I am hearing about the lack of leadership and the morale being the lowest EVER all over the school system. What is going on???? We've got teachers and administrators saying this is much worse than Corda. There are many different cut lists and certain 'favorites' who have the superintendent's ear, but who are incompetent themselves. Susan Marks, wake up! You are getting bad advice.
ReplyDeleteI must agree that it is concerning. Dr. Marks makes recommendations for cuts. The assumption is that these cuts were made after much thought as to the least impact on our kids. Then the cuts keep changing. Based on what criteria?
ReplyDeleteBased on the criteria that she doesn't know what she is doing. Remember that she hasn't been in the NPS that long. Additionally she is cutting positions that directly affect students. It's unnecessary to cut those positions. The BOE has been around much longer. They remember at least as far back as Dr. Sloan. Remember back then that the superintendent and the asst. superintendent would be the only ones to evaluate principals? The principals respected that and behaved differently because of it. Not cutting the Director of Elementary Education, who only evaluates 12 principals doesn't make sense. The planetarium cut is another mistake. Susan Marks is getting bad advice and listening to it. Too bad. She needs to listen to the people who know what's important in Norwalk.
ReplyDeleteToo bad 40% of school spending is for highly-paid do-nothing administrators.
ReplyDeleteThis is the real travesty.
Agreed, 5:55 AM!
ReplyDeleteit is truly amazing how critical people are that do not at all know the role of administrators in the district. everyone keeps bashing one another. fine example we set for our children. we have administrators fighting with one another. we have administrators who recommend cuts of another administrator and clearly do not know the role and responsibilities of the position.
ReplyDeletefolks it is a sad state of affairs.
the norwalk i knew and worked in for many many years is not the norwalk of today.
how you can continue to crucify people on this blog is really bad.
Moina...wake up and shut this down. This is not freedom of speech. it is an embarrassment for folks to continue to write and hurt one another.
Moina...stop this horrific means of bullies communicating.
May 24th at 6:25 . . . just for edification, how many other times have you asked that bloggers her stop crucifying public servants?
ReplyDeleteDid you ever defend any of the BOE members who are attacked here?
We do not have to defend the BOE members. Our posts are simply deleted by the blog administrator in most cases.
ReplyDelete