Wow this is crazy! I was just getting ready to blog about my 4 weeks as a newbie. My mind was racing with thoughts and clever ideas. Then I read a post by Chris Duran, Major Job Cuts, Why not Salary Cuts, to save more jobs!!!
I became inspired to write about how these exact thoughts and suggestions Chris makes are already happening around our country Already happening where I, a 28 year veteran teacher as well as an Edisto Beach realtor, am already living.
For months teachers in my top rated, top national SAT score county have been discussing all the possibilites that could happen to balance our school budget. People have been afraid that they may lose their job or be transferred to another that is not their love and passion..Last night our Board of Education meeting was packed, people were everywhere listening to what may not only be their future, but their children's future.
Here are a few of these cuts from our school system, which is one of the absolute top systems in the state. This is a partial of the letter from our county superintendent of schools.
The board voted to furlough all 12-month classified 210 and 240-day employees for two days this year. Employees will work with their supervisors to decide when the furlough days will be taken. It is suggested that employees try to take the days during times when students and teachers are not in school such as the upcoming winter and spring breaks.
The board also approved the voluntary furlough of contracted 210-day employees for four days and 240-day employees for five days. This includes me as well as the deputy and assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, coordinators and directors.
There likely will be more cuts to education funding next year. As the housing market continues to struggle and more people lose their jobs, we anticipate that the tax collection rate will continue to decrease. This means that our board will have to make some tough decisions about cuts for next year.The board discussed some possible cuts for FY 2010 including a 2 percent reduction in pay for all employees and a reduction in the contributions the school system makes to paid benefits. We also discussed reducing our workforce by at least 100 positions, which will hopefully happen through attrition, and requiring employees who live out of county to pay tuition if they want their children to attend schools in our system.
Again, I want to thank and commend you for the sacrifices you have and are making to help us get through this difficult time. I know that the actions we are being forced to take affects each of you personally but by working together we are going to make it through to better days.
Signed our school superintendent!
There are many mixed feelings about this. People depend on that money, however, they are positive and optimistic that this is a way to hold onto their jobs. They know this will not last forever.Things will improve. They are thankful, as of last night for their jobs. However, more cuts will have to come..this meeting will be next month. Most teachers I know are passionate, dedicated and highly skilled. We have to believe our sacrifices today will shape our future for better days!
Thanks Chris Duran, for helping me to remember this as well ! Not only as a teacher, but also as a Realtor!!
Thanks,
Cindy
I hope this newbie is not too way off! Appreciate you all!
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