jackiedoherty.org

News, schools, and views from a uniquely Lowell perspective
9th June 2009

High school on the chopping block

posted in Education, Lowell High, Money Matters |

Tomorrow night, the Lowell School Committee will resume budget hearings at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting will be televised live on LTC channel 10, public participation is welcome, and if you are concerned about the high school, please come down and participate. With enrollment at the high school hovering at about 650 students less than five years ago, the administration is recommending a 10% reduction in teaching staff.  Also recommended is a 50% reduction in the television studio staff,  elimination of programs such as after-school detention and Saturday morning tutor/buy back, as well as cuts to custodians, clerks, parent liaisons, and instructional technology specialists. The administration also recommends not filling several open administrative positions, such as database administrator, family consumer science chair, and coordinator of student support services. In addition to these recommended reductions, last week high school administrators were instructed by members of the LHS subcommittee to identify an additional $400,000 in administrative cuts. To date, the committee has reduced spending by about $4.5 million district wide, primarily by closing the Rogers Middle School along with a number of central office reductions. The general feeling is that millions more are needed to meet the shortfall. (Check here to see the budget.) There are also several reductions to assistant coaches being recommended, but those decisions may be deferred until after the Athletics Subcommittee meets on Thursday, 6 p.m., at 155 Merrimack Street.

There are currently 4 responses to “High school on the chopping block”

Why not let us know what you think by adding your own comment! Your opinion is as valid as anyone elses, so come on... let us know what you think.

  1. 1 On June 10th, 2009, lowellteacher said:

    I would like to take this time to give up my 5% raise for next year. I know we don’t have a contract, but I still want to take this time to state my willingness to give up a future 5% raise. Now I am a hero.

  2. 2 On June 10th, 2009, Jackie said:

    You don’t have to go five percent; the one percent negotiated increase due on June 30, 2009 would mean about $1 million in savings if all staff agreed to defer it. If all agreed to a one-day furlough, it would equal about a half million in savings, or if the unions agreed to freeze step increases, that would save $1.5 million. These concessions combined total about $3 million in savings…Now THAT would be heroic! (Actually, I’d take any one of these choices or a combination that would allow us to stop cutting and save jobs.)

  3. 3 On June 16th, 2009, Why said:

    Why are principals and assistant principals not being asked to give up their raises next year? If each receives an average of $5000 and there are approximately 45 of them isn’t that almost a quarter million dollars? We need to look beyond the classroom and look at the leadership.

  4. 4 On June 16th, 2009, Jackie said:

    I agree and we are looking at all levels. The assistant principals are part of Unit B Administrators, which has been approached, and principals have individual contracts. Both groups have been included regarding discussion of concessions.

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