“Voices of dissent – Critical Readings in American Politics,” is a text to be used by Octorara Area High School Advanced Placement Government students, according to information presented during the school board’s Feb. 8 work session.
There are a few voices of dissent on the Octorara Area School Board, and they may be heard by the community as board members wrestle with what to include or cut from the school district’s proposed record-high 2010-11 budget.
“Why can we not approach the union?” asked school board member Linda Bicking, wondering if the Octorara Area Education Association would consider giving back some of its guaranteed salary increases and other benefits.
“If directed to do so, I would ask,” said Superintendent Tom Newcome. “There are labor issues there. We must be careful in our discourse.”
Bicking’s question was in response to a menu of ideas for possible budget cuts Newcome called “bad ideas.” One of the ideas was to cut the payroll through the salaries of staff who are not covered by contracts. This group also is, in general, the lowest-paid. Newcome also said the board may consider short-term furloughs for 12-month staff.
“We’re strapped,” Newcome said. “I’m welcome to suggestions.”
Also among Newcome’s self-coined “bad ideas,” discontinuing: athletics and extra-curricular activities; sending about 75-80 students to area vocational schools; conferences and travel; and the summer reading program.
He also said the district could close buildings at 6 p.m. to save utility costs, use more of the fund balance to balance the budget, and sell ads on its Web site.
The district may also: cut the $70,000 building budgets; save $100,000 by cutting supplemental contracts; save in salaries and benefits by not automatically filling vacancies created by retirees; reduce energy consumption; and drop a bus route to save $50,000.
“I don’t think anything is a bad idea if it’s done cooperatively,” said board member Brian Norris.
“I do feel sometimes we’re not in touch with the community,” said board member Bob Hume, referring to recent layoffs at the former Quebecor/World Color plant. “One family I know has to set aside $700 a month to pay for their property taxes.”
Norris took exception to Hume’s “out of touch” comment and said as a businessman, he has to work in current economic conditions and meet payroll.
Another board member, John McCartney, is campaigning for the School Property Tax Elimination Act.
Newcome termed the budget “upside down” and said as it stands the school district is facing a $3.4 million difference between expenses and revenues.
On the up side, board president Lisa Bowman said the school district food service did receive “a very complimentary audit” by the federal school lunch program.
Linda Neff of the food service summarized this for the board on Feb. 8. There were only minor findings and no follow-up visit is scheduled.
The federal school lunch program has NOT told the cafeteria staff to economize.
According to Neff, the staff was told it must include one half cup of peanut butter on a sandwich when substituting a peanut butter sandwich for a meat entrée.
“That’s a lot of peanut butter,” Neff said.
The school board next meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 in the middle school multipurpose room.
-30-