DEWITT —
Superintendent Dan Peterson opened discussion on consolidation of director positions at the Central Community School Board’s regular meeting Wednesday.
Peterson cited enrollment decline (70 students in the last two years) as a decision factor contributing to the need for budgetary reductions. He said the district would need to use unspent balance funds to cover costs this year and anything that would reduce current costs would help in cost reductions for next year. In a memo to the board, Peterson noted “tough conversations” will have to start and “tough decisions” have to be made.
With costs for recovery of unspent balance funds this year, declining enrollment, and potential personnel cost increases, Peterson said $810,000 in budget reductions were needed in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. He added that even at a state 2 percent allowable growth rate, there will be no new money next year. The 1,487 district enrollment figure is the smallest ever.
Consolidating the transportation director and buildings and grounds director positions effective Dec. 21 would provide immediate savings in salary and benefits and ongoing efficiency of maintenance and transportation departments working together, Peterson said. The new position would be director of operations and the current building and grounds director would assume all duties. Operations of both departments would be based in the 11th Street building (formerly the Krieger building). An estimated $51,000 would be realized in annual savings.
Board member Jim Irwin was the first to speak to the recommendation.
“It’s not personal; it’s about budget and position,” he said. “We are going to have more conversations in the next few months.”
Irwin said changes in the transportation department had been looked at before, that money for cars and buses comes from a different fund and salaries are from the general fund which is impacted by less available money. He added that the board did not want to do anything unsafe for students.
“There are some very legitimate concerns, but I think it can be worked out,” Irwin said, later adding, “I support where we are going with budget issues.”
All school board members voiced concerns about cutting teachers and programs and agreed it was their last option.
Board member Steve Fuglsang questioned the timing in losing a director and full-time mechanic (Ryan Jones submitted his resignation) and suggested the district might be setting up the new position for failure. Some administrative positions also might be cut, he said, adding he felt pushed for a decision.
Board member Jennifer Naeve said parents’ biggest concern was a contact point for transportation; board member Kurt Rickard said a greater overlap in combining positions would be better; and board president Christy Kunz suggested combining positions such as driver and mechanic. Questions about secretarial needs, need for a full-time mechanic, and more information were voiced.
Building and grounds director Keith Walker said he knew vey little about the position but that current transportation director Steve Thiltgen would help him until the end of December.
“It will be learning time for me,” Walker said, noting that he would inform the board if he could not handle the added workload. Walker would be paid an additional $10,000 if he assumes duties as director of operations.
School board members reiterated elimination of the position was about budget savings, efficiency and keeping cost reductions away from students.
In a follow-up of the meeting, Peterson said he had discussed elimination of the position with the transportation director but no official notice of termination had been given. In the process of creating a director of operation and if the board approves, Peterson’s recommendation, the building and grounds director would have to resign and the board, by motion, could rehire him in the new position.
According to legal counsel, the new position does not have to be posted, Peterson said. No decision was made but action is expected at the Dec. 19 board meeting.
Local News
November 10, 2012
Central looks at director positions’ consolidation
- Local News
-
- Board examines congestion at schools FULTON, Ill. -- Potential congestion around the River Bend middle and elementary schools is being discussed by the River Bend Board of Education. The board discussed drop-off policies during Monday's meeting. The district decided in March to eliminat
-
Energized savings
CLINTON -- It didn't happen in one day, with one switch or with one person, but through a concerted effort, the Clinton School District has saved more than $2 million by utilizing energy-efficient practices. The Clinton Community School District was
-
Fitness club is expanding
CLINTON — Less than two years after opening, the Iron Horse Fitness Club is more than tripling their space by moving to the former Rodeo Saloon and Feedhouse. Owners Ashley and Brad Gendreau, 31, of Thomson, Ill., will move by August from the locatio
- Clinton avoids heavy storm CLINTON -- Jim Blaess, official weather observer for the National Weather Service, said Clinton County was lucky during Sunday's storms. "We dodged a bullet," said Blaess, adding that the county did not see any tornados. The county did not receive a
- YWCA pushes forward with shelter CLINTON — The Clinton YWCA will no longer receive government funding for its domestic violence and sexual assault resource center, but Executive Director Lori Freudenberg said her organization was prepared and will continue to offer services for vict
-
Planning for the future
CLINTON -- No Kohl's. No casino. No development in the Lyons Tech Park. Less tax revenue. More blight. That's what Clinton officials say the city would have if they hadn't used tax increment financing to attract development. Tax increment fina
-
Clinton law enforcement honored
CLINTON — Members of the Clinton Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff's Office commemorated National Police Week with an awards ceremony and a memorial ceremony to honor those who protect the community.
-
2 finalists named for city administrator
CLINTON — Two finalists have been selected in the search for Clinton's next city administrator: Clinton Finance Director and interim City Administrator Jessica Kinser and Joliet, Ill., Assistant City Manager Benjamin Benson.
-
Jail escapee pleads guilty
CLINTON -- A man who escaped from the Clinton County jail on April 6 will spend as much as 10 years in prison. Kendrell Keith, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to the escape and the second-degree theft charge that put him in jail.
-
Council targets late bills
CLINTON - Business owners won't be able to dodge sewer bills while staying in operation under an ordinance amendment that was approved by City Council members Tuesday.
- More Local News Headlines
