Sarah

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.

I agree with turning off some electricity that we don't necessarily need1 I think its stupid how we have to cut things that are very important to our school, yet we don't consider what other little things we take for advantage, like light, paper/toilet papers/napkins, plastic bags, etc. In Asia, students bring their own toilet paper to school, so they can limit themselves and not waste their own paper, and are more conserving of transportation as well (public buses instead of each person driving a car around; easier to be dependent on oneself rather than a parent to drive you) I feel that America, or at least Michigan, should give that a try. Maybe then, no one will try to take advantage of the resources provided for us.

Sarah

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.

ABSOLUTELY NOT THE MARCHING BAND, the transportation, or the teacher cutting. Last time I checked, the marching paid the school to help support it through great music and spirit! And now your eliminating marching band instead of football, which has hardly any benefits to the school? Transportation is also not very convenient for some of us. If you were to cut it, you would be making our parents have to waste their time to drive us, much less spend more money on gas, which is NOT CHEAP! However, I would not be opposed to the idea it there were actually sidewalks along the road for us to walk, bike, or scooter to school (but there aren't, unfortunately.) <--this would be more ecofriendly, we would all spend less money on gas, and we wouldn't have to waste money on transportation. Cutting teachers or staff members also won't solve any problems; it may for a while, but soon, the same problem will occur. All Saline's doing right now is putting the future leaders (the students') education and experience learning into jeopardy! If you lay off teachers by "teaching experience" and not by how well they teach, or just lay them off in general, how are we going to learn the proper way? Having less electives are also not a good idea, because all the students need to have at least some experience in that area, or some common sense about it. Cramming 70 students into the same room will not fix things, because it may make learning harder (too quiet to hear teacher) and next thing you now, the school is going to do something ridiculous and waste the money we contributed, like extend rooms so more people can fit into them, or buys bullhorns for teachers to use. There are so many other problems with this "cutting plan"; I just don't like any of it! School board members have to stop putting all the burden on the parents' backs and recalculate other approaches, because right now our plan is terrible.

Megan

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 10:33 a.m.

With my brother being a student at SHS, and myself a former student, I am appalled to hear that the high school classes will now be anywhere between 40-50 students! Also, SEVEN less paraeducators! It seems that the budget cuts could come from somewhere else... What about turning off that fancy electric sign in front of the building that runs 24/7? Another thing-how are they supposed to expand school of choice to bring in more revenue when the class sizes are going to already easily be over fire code safty regulations? It saddens me that these things even need to be considered

Jimmy Olsen

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.

@Don Crawford I never disputed the fact that Mr. Graden is the highest paid employee in the district, as are all superintendents in every district. He deserves what he earns. The new Ann Arbor superintendent will probably cost their district 300,000. When 85% to 89% of your budget is dedicated to labor costs, where do you think cuts are going to come from ? Lets make the math simple – 85% of a 50 million dollar budget is 42,500,000 for labor related costs and 7,500,000 for EVERYTHING else. Again, where do you think 5.9 million in savings is going to come from ? Also, has Mr. Graden stated that he is not willing to take a pay cut, or is that your assumption? This quote "on to the teachers, who are the ones who do the day to day legwork". Can I assume you don't think the support staff or administration add any day to day value to Saline Area Schools? They have all given concessions for many years, while the SEA sits on its hands protected by their contract. Hopefully, they have finally seen the light and are more interested in some reform this year. In your posts you stated "As someone who attended Saline Area Schools up until recently" and that you are "16". So may I ask where you are attending school now ? I hope that district is in better shape.

Don Crawford

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:54 a.m.

@Jimmy Olsen - Forgive me for calling out a board that was and still is populated by bigots (Mrs. Slawson, Mr. Friese, and Mr. Medley, are exempt from those generalizations, and should all be commended for standing up for Saline students). In addition, forgive me for calling out a community member who stated that the district should actively discriminate against LGBTQ students because in his opinion, LGBTQ people spread disease. It continues to amaze me that people in Saline can stand up and defend bigotry. If this were 1961 and not 2011, some Salinians would probably cheer as African Americans were beaten by the police for protesting for their rights; instead of verbally berating teenagers who fought and continue to fight for change in our schools and society at large. But that is an entirely different issue than the one at hand here, so I digress. All I'm saying is that as long as Mr. Graden and district leaders continue to deflect the blame for the district's problems on to the teachers, who are the ones who do the day to day legwork, nothing will be achieved, and none of the district's problems will be remedied. And for your information, Scot Graden is the highest paid employee of SAS; last year he grossed nearly $140,000, received over $23,000 in retirement benefits, and received over $15,000 in other benefits (<a href="http://www.salineschools.com/files/Employee%20Compensation%20Greater%20than%20100,000.pdf);" rel='nofollow'>http://www.salineschools.com/files/Employee%20Compensation%20Greater%20than%20100,000.pdf);</a> maybe you should do some research before you post. If Mr. Graden refuses to take a pay cut while insisting that teachers and staff take cuts he is a hypocrite, and I would have no problem saying that to his face at a board meeting, even if that makes me &quot;disrespectful.&quot; I may only be 16, but that does not and should not mandate me to kowtow to the people who have ran a once respectable district into the ground. @mollysfolly - Thank you for standing up for students/young people who speak up, and make their opinions known. If only more people like you existe

SalineMom

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.

Heather, Try the Michigan Virtual University - they offer AP courses on-line. Not sure of what the cost is, but could be cheaper than gas. It is a shame that this &quot;nonsense&quot; is occurring, but many of these budget issues have affected the private sector for years. Hopefully there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Keep a positive attitude and I hope you can make the best of your senior year.

Heather

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.

I would also like to point out that 3 AP classes at Saline High School were cut for next year (AP Statistics, AP Literature, and AP Environmental Science). Additionally, a lottery is going to be used to cut 7 students from an AP Comparative Government class in order to reduce a single class into 35 students. This coming from a school that was recently named to the AP Achievement List for its outstanding scores on AP tests. I'm a student at Saline, and I'm extremely disappointed. I'm a realist, though; I know that tough choices have to be made. But everywhere I look, I see cuts being made in exactly the places that will hurt students most -class size increases, teacher lay-offs, and increases in parking and activity fees (By the way, no one knows where those fees go. Apparently they're gobbled up into some 'general fund'. And I'd like to remind everyone that a $40 activity fee and a $50 dollar parking pass generally equates to 12 hours of minimum wage labor before taxes for the young HS student. I'm generally not too thrilled about writing those checks. But I digress). I am most disappointed in the cutting of those AP Classes. Myself and several other classmates are now looking at dual enrollment -which on its surface looks practical and commendable, but deep down is a vacuum of gas money, a vulcano of stress, and a guarantor of transcript troubles. So this is my ultimate question in these times of such tumultuous economic woes: Where does it end? Does it end when we're practically caged into lecture-style classes held in rooms meant for 20 people? Does it end when class offerings are stripped to a mediocre spread of arithmetic and writing meant for the average student only? Does it end when our building and grounds become barren wastelands of filth and decay? Pardon the melodrama, but it feels pretty accurate after reading this article. I'm just thankful that I'm a junior, and that I'll only have to tolerate one more year of this nonsense.

Jimmy Olsen

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.

Molly The administrators and Mr. Graden are all on the wellness plan. The administrators also took a pay cut and changed their contract to a two tier concept, so any future hires would come in under a lower salary and have to contribute to health care (5/11/2010). If you'd research county wide administrative cost, you'll find Saline is the second lowest. The only "things" the SEA has given up over the past several years was 3 optional paid training days (04/27/10), which was quickly taken up by the cost of their outrageous health care plan through MESSA, the union sponsored third party administrator. The SEA will "claim" when they changed health care plans they "gave up" something, like no drug deductibles and other health care related issues, and true, it did save the district money, but seriously – they need to contribute something to their health care. Yes, Mr. Graden negotiates the contracts, but they cannot be approved unless the Board says "Yes". Only one member voted "No" on the current contract. I can hold Ms. Slawson accountable, just like every other board member, she is the most senior member and through her tenure we've had nothing but SEA increases and every other group has taken concessions, much to her public "boo hooing". I attended most of the board meetings in the fall and had the chance to observe Mr. Crawford speak to the board several times – without respect. You are correct, he has the absolute right to free speech, but it can be delivered in a respectful manner. I would also caution you that board minutes are a synopsis - you have to be there to hear everything that is said.

mollysfolly

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 9:55 p.m.

@ Jimmy Olsen, please check your facts before you type, and please don't try to spank students that have every right to speak, just like you do. At least he's doing it with his real name and that's impressive. If you checked your facts, attended board meetings, and read board minutes every time they meet, you would have seen that Mr. Graden did not take a paycut. He decided not to take his raise that was due him in his contract, which board members urged him not to take. Yes, the administrators did take paycuts, however they still have lots of perks. Do you think they pay for their own Iphones??? As far as insurance, the administrators aren't the ones on the wellness plan insurance, it's the ESP. Mr Graden and his adminstrators pay ZERO for their insurance. And if you read those minutes over the years, you would see that the SEA has given up things, just not as much as everyone would like. As for your slamming of Trustee Slawson, at least she asked! Don't tell the board not to be afraid of the SEA, tell Scot Graden! If you'd read those minutes you'd see that he negotiates contracts, not the board! He's the one you should be talking to! And if you had attended board meetings last fall, you would have heard Trustee Slawson and other board members constantly and loudly take on Mr. Heim and the SEA and BEG them to give concessions. And if you had read those minutes, you would see that the SEA doesn't have to give anything. They have a contract, and whether you like it or not, Mr Graden negotiated that contract. So, most definitely, hold your board members accountable, but also hold your chief executive Mr. Graden accountable too. Mr. Crawford, you are not disrespectful at all. This country says that you have a right to say whatever you want, so you keep on doing that!

Jimmy Olsen

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.

@Don Crawford Did you do a little research to see when Mr. Graden last got raise ? I believe he took a salary cut in his last contract. He, along with other administrators and the support group switched insurance last year to a &quot;wellness&quot; policy that has saved the district considerable health care dollars. A plan the teachers should be in. I guess leading by example is right up there with &quot;put up or shut up Scot&quot;. Apparently you didn't learn anything about respectful discourse in your time in Saline. You might want to also consider that a good sports program attacts students. Losing say 100 athletes to other districts would reduce the money from the state by about 750,000 (100 * 7,500). No doubt athletics should share some sacrifices, you need to consider all the facts.

Jimmy Olsen

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.

@Lisa Dickson &quot;Graden fails to mention that they have taken a 5% OFF THE TOP pay DECREASE for the last two years, which makes their pay actually 10% LESS, not 5% more&quot; Could you or someone else please explain to me where/how/when the Saline teachers have taken a 5% off the top pay decrease the last two years? You must be thinking of another school district. .

Lisa Dickson

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.

Let's call a spade a spade when it comes to Saline School District being in financial trouble. How can a school district receive a 10 million dollar &quot;gift&quot; and be in financial ruin? POOR planning on the part of the school board, that's how. That money was spent with as much foresight and responsibility as a two-year-old in a candy store. Instead of recycling or selling the old materials from the &quot;former&quot; high school, everything was thrown into a dumpster. They were so worried about impressing the surrounding school systems with swimming pools and useless space, they didn't take into account the looming economic depression surrounding the area at the time. There isn't even enough room for the kids to eat lunch in the cafeteria!! There was no 10 year plan about possible enrollment decline, rising energy costs to maintain the building or even upgrading the technology. The entire school district has been redistributed, repurposed and buildings left abandoned because of generous gift that was used improperly. Let's also mention the hiring and suggested &quot;resignation&quot; of a superintendent with a questionable past that compromised the credibility and accountability of the district and it's decision makers. In addition to Beverly Geltner's salary and the immature decisions she made as superintendent, she was bought out of her contract, which cost the school over $130,000! Our teachers are not the problem! By the way, they have NOT received a 2.5% increase! Although it is in their contract, Graden fails to mention that they have taken a 5% OFF THE TOP pay DECREASE for the last two years, which makes their pay actually 10% LESS, not 5% more. Let's make our school board take responsibility for their mistakes and stop trying to lay blame on the teachers.

Don Crawford

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.

I'd like to know if Scot Graden plans on taking a pay cut anytime soon. Scot Graden came into this district promising to change the way things were ran, and to be different than his predecessors. Unfortunately, that was just a bunch of hype, and Scot Graden is just as much a member of the good old boys club as anyone who came before him (excluding Beverly Geltner who actually tried to shake this district up). Mr. Graden has no right to pontificate on who should be sacrificing their benefits, salaries, and even their jobs, unless he himself is willing to make deep sacrifices; in other words, put up or shut up Scot. In response to the suggestion of eliminating teachers and increasing class sizes: this is by far the most moronic thing I have ever heard anyone in this district suggest (and believe me, as a student who required assistance from the district due to medical issues, I have heard some pretty moronic things from district personnel). As someone who attended Saline Area Schools up until recently, I can confidently say that classes are already overcrowded. I cannot recall a class that I have taken in the past two years that had less than 30 people in it; which is enough to ensure that even the best teachers cannot give individualized attention to each student every class period (the worst teachers I've had couldn't give individualized attention to anyone in a class consisting of one student and a rock though). By laying off teachers and increasing the number of students in a class, the district will inevitably allow more Saline students to slip through the cracks; and as much as everyone in perfect little stepfordian Saline would like to hide it, many students have or are slipping through the cracks. I do however fully support the idea of forcing sports in Saline to be self sufficient. It is time for money, that for years has gone to noneducational activities (such as football, soccer, track, etc.) to be redirected to the class room, where it belongs.

Jimmy Olsen

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.

"We need you to come and speak up, and tell us, 'This is what you're willing to cut and what you're not willing to cut. We can't make these cuts in a vacuum,'" she said (Trustee Slawson). Well, apparently Trustee Slawson has been living in a vacuum for her tenure on the board. She, along with others have seen this coming for years, have heard the public state their case for years, yet she has voted &quot;YES&quot; to every SEA contract increase, and &quot;YES&quot; to concessions for every other unit in Saline. I'll speak up - live within your budget. Stop being afraid to take on the SEA and upset the community - we are already upset at your inaction. I know we're not (can't) get 6 million from the SEA, but had health care savings, etc been put in years ago - we'd probably not need the whole six million. So, I suggest you get busy and on May 12th have some real answers for the public.

the leprachaun

Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.

So your gonna cut in town busing for all of Saline and I'm supposed to walk 4.5 miles to the high school...

Fat Bill

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.

Isn't it amazing that the gap between the current busing and privatization is only $150,000? Given the size of the bus fleet, that shows that the transportation department runs VERY lean. I know they don't retire a bus until that machine is effectively beyond repair, and then it is stripped of any parts that could safely be reused as a spare. I also know that I live close to Saline Middle School, and I struggle to get out on to Maple Road just before school starts now; I can't wait to see what the traffic around the school buildings will be like if transportation is elimintated...

skfina2

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.

Ah, yet another article to bring out the calls for teachers to earn less money. These arguments would hold water -IF in fact there was a real budget crisis. If Gov. Snyder would leave the $900 million in the School Fund, instead of giving out tax breaks that we can't afford, no teacher would have to take a pay cut or lose a job. So instead of railing about it here, I suggest you write to your state representative and senator and ask them to leave the money where it belongs. Then this all becomes a moot point.

engGEEK1988

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.

Self funded athletics is an acceptable plan if EVERYONE has to pay to play. Why should kids only have to pay if their parents can afford it? If parents can't afford it, then the student athletes should find a way to earn the money. High school aged children never have a problem earning money by tutoring, babysitting, cutting lawns... If it is important enough for the child to play a sport, he/she can find a way to earn the money to pay for it. No buses? Not a good plan. The main reason many people don't drive their kids to school now is the traffic nightmare around the schools at drop off and pick up times. Just imagine what it would be like if all the parents were driving their kids!

Graden for President

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.

I have a few ideas: Charge the teachers and administers for parking at all the buildings. Change this exemption for SAS Coaches' and have them pay to participation. (SAS Coaches' children are also exempt from the participation fee.) Get rid of the PE teacher/coach that makes over a $100K, and complains about having to work 12 months out of the year. How can Mr. Graden go to the tax payer of our community with only a small part of the information? Come to us when you all the information, and don't waste our time like you did in the past. We are paying you to do a job. So do!

Graden for President

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.

Mr. Graden needs to do his job, and quit protecting the good old boys. As I see it, his focus is the education of our children. I pay him to do just that. He should be on the chopping block if he loses focus from the mission we hired him to do, along with other administers. If he is trying to avoid the real issues and scare the parents of Saline students, he should lose his job.

Kurtis S

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.

Most likely, I will move my 3 kids to AA school system if they eliminate busing.

hometown23

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.

What amount of my taxes go to education? I was somewhat surprised to see the estimated amounts and the other programs we &quot;choose&quot; to support... <a href="http://www.wheredidmytaxdollarsgo.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.wheredidmytaxdollarsgo.com/</a> Where is education on your priority list?

AnnArborite

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.

I realize that this is a &quot;crisis&quot; situation - and shared socialized sacrifice is the marching tune, but cutting teachers and making class sizes of 35+ students should be the last item on the punch list. Education of our children is number one. If we really are in crisis mode, then everything else is secondary to the education process. Please picture 1 teacher to 35, five-year-old Kindergarteners. The Kindergarten teacher is expected to teach each student to read, write and learn math concepts. If you do not agree, check out the national standards that are placed on this grade level. I have a child in Saline's Kindergarten -- and I am involved with their class - I see what is expected. It's not your grandma's Kindergarten class, with all the free time that once was. I again realize that cutting is necessary - and will happen, but PLEASE consider this little fact: Large class sizes are not the answer, if you'd like to really educate children. Thank you.

DB Holden

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

Having participated in the sparsely attended forum (mostly administrators, teachers, and board members) it was extremely disappointing to see the shallow approach to how to the bridge the $6 million gap. Raiding the rainy fund for $ 2million to balance a budget. Really? What happens next year now that Obama dollars have dried up and the rainy day fund is exhausted? The cart is before the horse. Before we engage in snipping at the edges and placing more burden on the parents we need to know what concessions will the SEA (Teacher's Union) bring to the table. Then we can discuss how to achieve a balanced budget. We have seen this play out before, ding the parents for more money while the sacred cows continue to graze. Eliminating bus transportation puts a further burden on parents when gas costs exceed $4 a gallon. Converting athletics to a travel sports model hurts parents with increased costs. Eliminating high school band...sheesh... This is no time for the ol school threats. While trimming on the margins should be investigated it should be the second or third option in the equation. Keep in mind the number of students on free/reduced lunch in the last 5 years has doubled. Families are hurting and we have the gall to further the financial burden. This is shameful. It is high time the SEA decides if they want to have a vibrant successful school district or defend the status quo . One look at the current agreement and the inflation within that agreement over the last three years will be a big eye opener. The school administration should seek nothing less than a roll back to 2009 levels for total compensation within the agreement. To sum up the community forum experience, the building was on fire and we were sent searching for marshmallows. Dave Holden

Salinedad

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.

Mr. Gradens comment about the SEA contract being a 2.5% annual increase is not accurate. That is the general increase under the contract. He did not include the cost of health insurance premiums during this period (average close to 13% per year) or the salary increases for SEA personnel under the range maximum. These increases are between 3.5 - 5.5%. This is in addition to the 2.5% increase. And unlike, Chelsea, Ann Arbor or other districts, Saline has not as of yet required our teachers to contribute toward the cost of Health Care. The unfortunate situation is that over the past 10 years the cost of labor within the school district has grown from 82% of the operating budget to today it is 89% of the operating budget. At the same time, class sizes have grown by 20% at all levels, curriculum has been cut, support staff reduced, multiple bonds have been passed. etc... None of these items are due to Prop. A, the reduction in state funding and similar common comments. It is due to lack of attention to the total cost of our various collective bargaining agreements and the willingness of this Board and previous Boards to kick the can down the road. Well folks, we have reached the end of the road. Now what?

jns131

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.

What each district needs to look at is this. How is Massachusetts getting away with charging their constituents, aka parents, into $500 a year or more for busing services. I have read article after article on the pros and cons on this one. Hate to say it, but it is the only way some parents who can't or don't have access to other transportation, car or mass, can get their children to school. Time to own to the fact that the state may have to start charging parents a way to get their children to school. Looks like as a bus driver myself I may be unemployable in the state of Michigan permanently because there will be no buses to drive anywhere inside the state of Michigan. Sad sad sad.

chapmaja

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.

I would love to know how they plan to reduce substitute teacher expenses by 20%. It sure as hell better not be a pay cut for the sunstitute teachers. The reason I say that is simple. Over the 12 years I have been registetred as a substitute teacher in Washtenaw County, including Saline, we have gotten ZERO pay increases. People see that teachers have gotten increases, but the substitutes have NOT gotten any pay increases. Substitutes have also taken what amounts to a cut in benefits over the same time. Up until 2006 were were school employees of the districts we worked in. As such we were part of the Public School Employee Retirement System. In 2006, which little media attention, we were dumped over to a private company, and as such are no longer part of the Retirement system. We are offered a 401k, however there is no company match. If people think teachers are overpaid, I would strongly suggest that some of them work as a substitute teacher to see the other end of the spectrum. Students generally behave much worse when subs are present. They often refuse to do work they would do when the regular teacher is present. We are still expected to get the work done though.

stunhsif

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.

&quot;Staff costs comprise about 85 percent of the budget, Graden said, with 77 percent of the costs going to teachers and 16 percent to support services. &quot; Amazing how Scot Graden talks about cutting everything like busing, sports, band, curriculum, security,custodians, phone sytems, teachers and the last thing he brings up is negotiations with the teachers union. Next year alone cost increases for salary and healthcare will be 1.94 million dollars. That dollar amount alone is 1/3 of the cost savings they need. All of their cost saving ideas impact the parents in increased costs and the students with increased class size and possible reductions in classes offered. With staff costs equaling 85% of the budget that is where you need to turn to get your cost savings, not on the backs of the taxpayers.

maxima284

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

Are we serious with some of these cuts? I am not even a parent and I find these items a little outrageous!: Reduce curriculum purchases: $100,000 - this is ridiculous! How are we supposed to compete with other schools? Eliminate middle school athletics and move to community education: $64,000 - Aren't we supposed to eliminate childhood obesity? Doesn't that start early on? Reduce elementary sections, with possible class size increases: $400,000 - Aren't 35 kids in a classroom already to the max? What do they want to do - have the teachers be like in college classrooms of teaching 80 kids at a time? Cut 6 high school teachers, which will result in larger class sizes, limited elective options: $480,000 - Same question! Eliminate transportation: $1.1 million - I'm not even going to touch on this one. This is just the biggest idea imaginable. Not every parent can drive their kid to school. Children need buses to go to school! Eliminate in-town busing/reduce number of stops: $20,000 - Aren't we already at the max of reducing stops? Eliminate midday busing: $70,000 - Seriously? Eliminate marching band at the high school: $22,000 - Okay, so we keep the football team but eliminate the marching band. I remember in my high school days, the fans went for the marching band -- not the football team.

snoopdog

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.

It is with &quot;disbelief&quot; that I read the teachers in Saline have gotten a 2.5% raise for each of the past three years.which works out to a 7.69% raise over that three year period. On top of that , Saline teachers pay nothing ( as in zero) for their healthcare while most of us pay a minimum of $4000.00 for basic family coverage. While all of us in the private sector have had pay reduced dramatically and healthcare costs skyrocket, the teachers in Saline just continue to march forward. Virtually all the cuts listed by the BOA will hurt the families pocketbooks and hurt the children with larger class sizes and fewer classes to choose from. It is time that the BOA get the SEA to the table right now and start negotiations to get fair and reasonable cuts so we don't have to cut 20 teachers. It continues to amaze me how the teachers simply throw their newest and most vulnerable members &quot;under the bus&quot; rather than take cuts to save jobs. It is obvious they care only about their pocket books and keeping their fat pensions and healthcare in place. But in reality, don't really expect the Saline BOA to do much, two of them are retired public school teachers ! Good Day

YPboyWRheart

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.

Chelsea and Dexter are looking very good. time to move.

onlinejoey

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.

The district moved to self insured for all administrators and support staff last year and is saving a significantly. There is also a wellness score, the better you score the less you pay. Right out of the private sector! The SEA has to give, end of story.

applehazar

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 11:33 a.m.

The district has it backwards - they want to lay off 20 teachers and 2 admin positions. How about eliminate many in the top tier - go to Unified school districts eliminate many high paid admin positions and keep teachers.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 11:30 a.m.

Salaries are the elephant in the room - I can not believe they have raises this year. I guess the cash is supposed to come from thin air. And health care? SAS should self insure like Dexter did - saved big dollars.

David Parker

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 10:58 a.m.

85% of budget is compensation. $6M budget gap. Obviously this labor contract has to be renegotiated. Survival of SAS is at stake. Across the board compensation cuts need to be on the table.

GoblueBeatOSU

Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 10:36 a.m.

&quot;cutting, privatizing or reducing busing&quot;...I've been saying this for a couple years now. Schools must, must, get out of the business of busing. In the not to distant future schools simply will not be able to afford to run busing programs. The cost of gas, the cost of the buses, etc. will far exceed the funds the schools have available. Time for schools to get ahead of the problem for once and eliminate all busing NOW. If it is determined that there has to be busing then the people using the buses will have to &quot;pay to ride&quot; through a private bus that isn't part of the school. I know this thinking isn't popular but schools will not be able to afford busing going forward. (IMO)