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February 15, 2010

NISD adopts “safety net” resolution

MARY MEAUX

NEDERLAND — Trustees in Nederland ISD adopted a resolution they hope they won’t have to use.

Interim Superintendent Robert Madding told trustees he did not expect the need for any reduction-in-force, or the elimination of some employee positions, during the current school year but feels the resolution is a safety net for the district.

The resolution, which was unanimously adopted Monday night, will allow for the abolition of specific employment positions, both professional and auxiliary, and if necessary, for the nonrenewal of particular professional contracts and auxiliary employment.

Board Vice-president Craig Belaire placed the item on the agenda.

“The reason is that in the next four months we will go through some processes where we will be looking at a budget deficit that we had last year,” Belaire said. “We were able to get through that deficit by increasing rates through tax. We’re going to be stuck against the ceiling next year. Unfortunately 80 percent of our budget is payroll. If you have to cut you can cut as much as you want in that 20 percent but it’s not going to make a lot of difference. Unfortunately, there may be issues that we can’t cut other areas, maybe some programs can be cut, re-position some people.

But without the resolution in place, none of the possible solutions would be an option, he said.

Board President Richard Cox told trustees a similar resolution was adopted in the past but was never enacted.

On average 15 to 20 teachers leave each year due to retirement or other reasons making it a bit easier for the district to cut a position. But some areas, such as elementary grade level teachers, may be locked in somewhat with the mandatory 22 students to 1 teacher standard.

mmeaux@panews.com

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