Board Will See Privatization Bids April 26

The Board of Education will consider recommendations for privatizing non-instructional support services after its April 26 meeting, when bids to provide those services will be presented. At the same meeting, the board will receive a report and recommendation for approval of a layoff list.

While tonight's board study session at won't have outsourcing on the agenda, support services workers plan a rally before the meeting, at 6:30 p.m.

services in hopes of saving the district as much as $4 million per year. Last month, Mary Reynolds, executive director of business services, informed the board that the district faces a budget shortfall of $14.5 million next year, and the district must make approximately $3 million in cuts before the next fiscal year begins in July.

In February, the board approved the drafting of requests for proposals for maintenance, transportation and nutrition services.

Current employees were told that they could possibly apply for jobs with private companies, if those services are privatized. But the wages will be lower than district employees are paid now. The highest paid transportation workers with more than four years of service with the district earn $18.40-$21.65 per hour.

District food services workers at the top end of the pay scale, with more than five years of experience, earn between $15.82 per hour for kitchen helpers, and $18.33 per hour for cooking managers. Those hired after 2008 earn a maximum of $15.58 after five years.

And the custodial staff tops out at $21.67 per hour for head custodians in the high schools, and $21.19 at the elementary and middle schools.

The April 26 meeting will also be held at ’s auditorium, because officials anticipate a larger-than-usual attendance. Both meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.