DSUSD Gets Creative To Save Jobs
LA QUINTA – Teamwork and team sacrifice may be the only out of a huge problem.
“We hope everyone gives up together and we can get through this the best we can,” says Sherry Johnstone, Desert Sands Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services.
Over three years, DSUSD is down about 32 million dollars. They’ve eliminated programs, teachers and activities, and once again, teachers will get cut.
“Every aspect of education, every support division will be effected, there is no way around it,” says Cindy McDaniel, DSUSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.
The district has until March 15th to handout official layoff notices. In the meantime, Johnstone and other leaders are deciding out who will stay and who will go.
“That’s all we are working on right now. We are looking at seniority, listing the latest seniority, education and new credentials in ranking order,” says Johnstone.
Last year the district laid off about 120 staff members. Johnstone says this year, it will likely be the same amount, but leaders are doing all they can to keep as many teachers as possible.
“We are hoping to pull back as many as we can by working together and solving the problem,” says Johnstone.
To save money and jobs, leaders are looking at all options, like cheaper healthcare plans and retirement incentives.
“We hope that folks who are ready to retire in the next couple years will take the incentive and that will help us balance the budget,” says Johnstone.
Leaders are also considering furlough days and pay cuts. Last year staff members took a 1-point-75 percent pay cut, which saved some jobs.
“We all need to tighten our belts, we all need to pull in,” says Johnstone.
Given the budget crisis Governor Schwarzenegger is allowing some districts to cut 5 days out of the school year.
“Five days would be 4 million dollars in savings,” says Johnstone.
For now, these are all just ideas, but Johnstone says if everyone works together they could become successful solutions.
At next Tuesday’s board meeting DSUSD leaders will decide how many teachers will be receive lay off notices. The district hopes to eventually be resend most of the notices.
