Bruce Kimmel continues his dogged pursuit to challenge Sal Corda over the budget, and the cuts to teachers that Corda has recommended. Last night he was joined by Norwalk Federation of Teachers union leader Bruce LeVine Mellion.
Kimmel also echoed the complaints of several Norwalk Federation of Teachers representatives, led by President Bruce Le Vine Mellion, who argued proposed cuts in administration should have been included in a budget that cuts teaching positions.
“I do not agree with the decision to exclude administration from the possibility of cuts,” Kimmel said. “I’m not suggesting administration be cut, nor am I suggesting teachers should be cut. What I’m suggesting is to exclude a particular component of our school system sends the wrong message.”
Corda said the decision to exclude administration from the proposed cuts was made in the best interests of the district.
“I’m not beholden to anyone except to my belief as an educator in what’s best for the kids … I’ve taken a lot of hits because I didn’t recommend reduction of administration. Some people have had a field day with that,” he said, adding that administrators provide a “critical function in the development of the school district programs and curricula.”
The board voted 5-1 to approve the reconciliation, with Kimmel voting against and members Richard Fuller and Migdalia Rivas absent at voting time.
But what is disturning to me at least, is the opening graf of the AManda Pinto article;
Though the Board of Education voted for $6.7 million in reductions at Tuesday night’s meeting, the decision does not finalize the specific amount or nature of cuts that will eventually be made to the board’s operating budget.
Alexander Fenwick’s article in the Norwalk Advocate, elaborates:
Corda presented a revised version of that 18-item list yesterday.
Four of the district’s 16 literacy specialists, which had previously been on the chopping block for a $306,800 savings, would be restored using the priority school district funds, which can only be spent for instructional purposes, Corda said.
The other half of the priority school district funding, combined with the ECS funds - which has no strings attached - could then go toward restoring the 17 other items.
For a total of about $1.2 million, the items to be restored include:
* Two elementary reserve teachers ($153,400)
* Speech pathologist, recommended position ($30,680)
* Nurses’ substitute ($69,000)
* Middle school guidance secretaries’ summer work ($30,000)
* Two special education personnel; psychologists and/or social workers ($195,000)
* Special education salary ($70,000)
* Special education consultant services ($50,000) * Parent information/ central registration officer ($53,820)
* One teacher each at Norwalk High School and Brien McMahon High School ($153,400)
* Special education teacher, recommended position ($76,700)
* Filling painter/carpenter maintenance vacancies ($90,542)
* Professional/technical services ($15,000)
* Health/physical education supplies ($15,000)
* Music supplies ($10,000)
* Professional development ($25,000)
* Attendance at meetings ($35,000)
* Three clerical positions, one each for special education, facilities and instruction ($165,000)
source: The Hour, BOE votes yes to $6.7M spending reduction plan, By AMANDA PINTO, June 27, 2007
source: Norwalk Advocate, School board taps new state funding, reconciles budget, , June 27 2007
