No Administrative Salary Increases in 2010-11

The board of education announced on Tuesday that bargaining had reached an agreement with district administration, central office staff and the superintendent of schools for a zero percent salary increase for the 2010-11 school year.

The salaries of the following central office positions have been frozen for next year: superintendent of personnel, administrative assistant of business, transportation supervisor and assistant supervisor, director of facilities, information technology officer, accountant, treasurer, food services coordinator and public information director. Dr. Feirsen has also accepted a zero percent increase for 2010-11. 

There will be a two percent increase in district administration contracts only for 2011-12.

"We would like to acknowledge the collaborative effort put forth by our administrative staff and we thank them," said board of education President Colleen Foley, speaking in a statement for the board.  

"The board of ed. remains resolute in its strong commitment to strong negotiations with our other bargaining units, resulting in fiscal responsibility and maintaining and developing of educational programs that benefit the children of Garden City."

District officials are still negotiating with the teachers' union and would not comment about teacher salaries because they said they would lose an edge in negotiations by revealing their position publicly. Contracts with all district bargaining groups end in June.

Most residents who spoke during the citizens' comment portion of the presentation thanked the board for no salary increases in those areas next year.

Dr. Feirsen told residents that if the budget fails, the district could put a revised budget up for a re-vote. If the revised budget fails, however, the district would be forced by the state to adopt the contingent budget. The district would still be required to give contractually obligated raises in benefits while reducing the budget another $2.66 million.

A contingent budget would eliminate all capital purchases and further cut clubs, athletics and field trips, with potential reductions in other areas.

Dr. Feirsen said there is no way that a revised budget would restore any of the programs that have already been cut. He added that the district might go to a contingent budget because he feels there is no way to make the budget better than it is now in terms of its effect on student programs.

Dr. Feirsen also wanted residents to know that the district is not hiding a better budget in case the first one fails to pass.

The budget vote takes place May 18 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.