Bill\’s Point of View:
Did the Gloucester City School Board have to lay off nearly 50 employees? Pink slips were handed out last week. We all understand that some moves had to be made because of the reduced Budget. And the Board was able to reduce the original number of cutbacks from 70 to around 50. But how many more jobs could be saved if a little more thought and effort was put into the process?
For example:
- If the Board closed down the Highland Park School (the Alternative School) and moved the staff and the 43 students to the High School the District could save $200,000 in maintenance cost. Classes would be from 3 PM to 8 PM, instead of 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM therefore there would be no interference with the normal operation of the school. The jobs of six aides or four teachers could be saved.
- By closing the Highland Park School for good the District could possibly save $600,000 or more in salaries and expenses. The benefit, the jobs of 12 teachers would be saved; or none of the Teacher Aide positions would have to be eliminated.
- By holding the starting salary of the executive secretary at $40,000 instead of $55,000; and not increasing the salary of the new high school secretary, the job of one teacher\’s aide would be saved.
- Cutting the position of Public Information Officer the District would free up $60,000. In doing so the position of one teacher would be saved.
- Asking the teachers union for a 1 percent decrease in salaries an approximate savings of $300,000 would be realized. Thus saving the position of six teachers and the District\’s Attendance Officer\’s job.
What is your opinion?
Incidentally the Board of Education meets Tuesday night, at 8 PM in the Mary Ethel Costello School Library, Cumberland and Joys Streets. The public is invited to attend and speak out.
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