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CW schools freeze wages and make insurance concessions
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - April 21, 2009)
Wage freezes and insurance concessions are the latest tools in the Canal Winchester Local Schools' arsenal in fighting a financial crisis that will tailspin into further revenue losses without additional operating funds.
At the Canal Winchester Board of Education's April 20 meeting, Superintendent Kim Miller-Smith announced teachers, administrators, and non-teaching employees are working under the freeze and concessions in a good faith effort to help the district through tough times.
Responding to comments regarding employee compensation, Miller-Smith said the local teacher's union (CWEA) and the board's negotiating committee formally agreed to suspend contract negotiations and all district employees agreed to the pay freeze, excluding salary step increases.
"All employees of the district-teachers, administrators, and non-teaching employees-have conceded to pay a larger share of their insurance premiums since December of 2008," stated Miller-Smith in reading from a prepared statement, "and each of these concessions took place last November and continue to result in substantial savings to the district. I am grateful to all of our employees for their sacrifice in light of the difficult financial conditions facing our district. I am also pleased with the leadership of the CWEA and our teachers who have been extraordinary in their commitment to helping the district and our students."
According to CWEA Co-President John-Paul Hoffman, the union signed a three-year contract with the district in 2007 and received a three percent increase for the 2007-08 school year. However, the contract did not contain a salary increase provision for the next two years.
"Concessions were made to account for uncertain times," stated Hoffman, who said with the failure of subsequent levies, negotiations were a moot point and the contract was implemented as written. "No action was taken on re-opening the contract. Everyone has made salary concessions to help save the district."
Board President Stan Smith said, unlike other businesses that reduce costs by cutting employees and work schedules, Canal Winchester is in a unique situation regarding staff reductions.
"We can't reduce hours," Smith admitted. "While our student population continues to grow, our staff continues to shrink for the first time in our history. Those that remain take up the slack. The concession in this business is that everyone just continues to do more and more."
Other CW school news
•The board approved employee health, dental, and life insurance coverages. The district's monthly share for health insurance rose nine percent to $525 for individuals and $1,106 for family coverage, with employees contributing approximately $40 for single coverage and $369 for families. Dental insurance is provided at $30 for individuals and $71 for family coverage at no cost to employees and monthly coverage for life insurance is $2.50.
•According to Treasurer Joyce Boyer, a financial study conducted by an outside agency revealed the district differed by less than one percent in forecasting income and expenditures for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
"They are in agreement within a slight variance," Boyer said. "With a $31 million budget, we are making good, sound projections."
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