TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Pasco School Board OKs Budget Despite Employee Opposition

ADVERTISEMENT

By RONNIE BLAIR | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

LAND O' LAKES -
Unhappy school employees pleaded with the Pasco County School Board to reject this year's budget Tuesday evening, saying the board needs to work harder to find money for raises and step increases that aren't included in the financial plan.

Many suggested the board dip into the district's "rainy day" reserve fund to pay for the raises and help employees struggling to make ends meet in the weak economy.

"Whether you like it or not, it's raining now," said Lynne Webb, president of United School Employees of Pasco.

Despite the pleas, the board approved the $1.2 billion budget by a 4-1 margin, with board member Cathi Martin casting the dissenting vote.

Board member Marge Whaley told the employees the board had no choice. By law, she said, the board had to approve some sort of budget Tuesday night.

With union contract negotiations continuing this week, Tuesday's action isn't necessarily the final word on raises, Whaley said. The board can amend the budget once a contract agreement is reached.

The employees expressed skepticism. Once the budget is passed, they said, raises aren't going to happen.

"It will be a fait accompli," said Pat Connolly, a teacher at Land O' Lakes High.

School district officials said the already tight budget year could get worse. The number of students is running about 1,000 below projections, which could cost the district about $4 million because state funding is provided on a per-student basis.

Olga Swinson, the district's chief finance officer, said the governor has also told school districts to brace for another round of budget cuts in December. Pasco anticipates it will lose another $4 million when that happens.

Board chairman Kathryn Starkey said as the budget situation gets worse, layoffs are becoming a real possibility.

"We're probably not going to be able to save everyone's job," Starkey said.

Tuesday's public hearing drew a standing-room-only crowd to the school board meeting room. The employees overflowed into the hall, where they had to settle for listening to the meeting over speakers.

About 35 employees spoke to the board, detailing the ways they have been affected by the economy. Some said many employees have taken second jobs. Others said spouses had been laid off. They talked about the difficulties of paying their mortgages or sending their children to college.

Many said raises and step increases are needed just to cover the basics of living.

"I feel like you are kicking us in the teeth," said Tracy Turner, a teacher at Pasco Middle School.

Before the budget hearing, about 200 teachers and other school workers protested in front of the school district administrative offices on U.S. 41, calling on the board to give them raises.

They joined in chants, such as, "Do the right thing, not the easy thing."

They also waved signs with messages such as "devotion deserves rewards" and "honk to support teachers."

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT