2009

Posted by Bob on November 13, 2009 under Daily Blogs | 4 Comments to Read

Last night’s Board of Education workshop revealed an operating deficit in the approximate amount slightly above TWO MILLION and 00/100THS ($2,000,000.00) DOLLARS. Said amount would increase if the Board follows the recommendations of the business manager to add approximately EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($800,000.00) DOLLARS to the self-funded health insurance account as a appropriate reserve.

The Naugatuck Teacher’s League (“NTL”) has withdrawn its proposal posted on its website earlier in the week due to the overall size of the budget shortfall as compared to proposed concessions. NTL rejected a proposed concession package at a vote of its membership last week.

Four (4) months into the fiscal year and two (2) months into the school year, we finally now the extent of the financial situation facing our district. The possibility of widespread layoffs is the most likely option to balance the education budget and eliminate the shortfall. While all attempts are being made avoid layoffs, viable alternatives are few. A complete financial analysis of the number of layoffs required to close the gap is being conducted, but initial projections suggest that a large number of positions will need to be sacrificed. This will have devastating effects on our school system and the quality of education we provide to our students.

The Borough has a responsibility to its taxpayers during these drastic economic times to live within its means and conduct its financial operations professionally. No one wants layoffs to occur, but we have a duty to live within the our budget. Should we be forced to layoff educators at the expense of our students, there must be severe consequences for those responsible.

Danielle said,

Mayor Bob,

I thank you for your candid review of the current BOE crisis. As you witnessed during the same BOE meeting, timely, factual, and accurate information from the BOE is at a premium right now, and as a parent of (2) school age children I am outraged that the BOE believes that it can withhold this information from the Public. The Naugatuck Board of Education is not above the law, and I am moving forward with proving it to them.

I vehemently disagree with BOE Chairwoman Donovan’s written remarks that this financial crisis could not have been anticipated or avoided. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I remember the BOE approaching the town’s Finance Board during FY2008-2009 and specifically being granted an additional $1 million. The BOE was informed at that time that there would be no budget increase for the next FY 2009-2010, correct? This appears to me to be “substantiation.”

What I don’t know and maybe you can answer this, is it for a total of $56 million or one million over $56? I believe it is a moral imperative that the Public be given correct information in a timely manner.

In addition, I am adamant that only non-essential personnel be terminated, so as not to further compound the problem by not meeting Federal and State Mandates. This means that cuts should start from the top down until the $2-3 million deficit is addressed.

I am specifically requesting the Superintendent resign effective December 1, 2009; immediately close Tuttle House until June 30, 2010; eliminate the job title “Vice-Principal; and any other Administrative position that is not included in census ratios within the schools to maintain adequate coverage without increasing class size, ensures safety, and does not directly interfere with teaching responsibilities or mandates.

I am specifically requesting that purchase orders for such fixed cost items such as snow removal; textbooks; paper; et al. be born by the town until June 30, 2010.

I think this is a fair and equitable proposal given the current state of BOE finances and the level of outrage the tax payers are experiencing.

Respectfully submitted,

Danielle LoCascio
Chip Aldrich said,

Bob,
Regarding the previous comment, I would like to echo the sentiments expressed, given the recent tri-board meeting, held on 11/16/09.
I was informed of the Superintendent’s proposed cuts at an emergency faculty meeting at Hillside MS, after school yesterday. Needless to say I was appalled at his recommendations. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the tri-board meeting due to family obligations. When I came to school this morning, I was most interested in how things had played out at the meeting. I was startled, to say the least, when I read the summary ,in the press.
Am I accurate in saying that that the Superintendents proposal was not presented at the meeting, a public forum? (As I understood it, the reporter was able to present specifics about the proposal only because he had been forwarded a copy from someone.)I think this is ironic since all the responsible government boards were in attendance last night, while only the Board of Education will be involved,on next Monday, in voting upon such a devastating amputation of educational services.Where is the accountability for the fiscal crisis being placed? Where it belongs? I think not!
Were the K-8 librarians responsible? Were the K-8 music teachers responsible? Were the K-6 PE teachers responsible? Were the K-8 art teachers responsible? Were the 7th-8th specials teachers responsible? Were the designated K-6 classroom teachers responsible? Were the designated gr.9-12 classroom teachers responsible? And I’m quite sure the security guard wasn’t responsible. (As a matter of opinion, I would recommend that greater security be installed to oversee the Tuttle expenses from here on out!)
I think that Ms. LoCascio has expressed a viable solution for the fiscal problem, certainly one which deserves at least some consideration. While her suggestions might not be the final answer either, it demonstrates forethought that would be well placed. As they stand, the Superintendents recommendations will have a devastating impact on Naugatuck’s educational system both immediately and far into the future.

Thank you again for providing this forum.
Bob said,

Hi Chip:

Please see my next post.

Thanks.

Bob
Bob said,

Sorry Chip:

Here is the link:

http://www.bobmezzo.com/2009/11/17/plan-for-education-crisis-11172009/

Thanks again.

Bob