District Proposes Furloughs: USEP Says Not So Fast

Last Thursday evening during instructional negotiations, the District passed a proposal for an instructional furlough day that would change one paid holiday to an unpaid holiday. The SRP team meets tonight and is expecting a similar proposal. With so much of the economic picture in a state of flux, USEP is not yet convinced that furloughs are needed.

Furloughs are just one of the items in the 2010-2011 year budget that the school board has tentatively adopted to make up the $28 million shortfall. Other measures include no step increases, offering early retirement options, and requiring employee contributions to health insurance. The board also included increasing property taxes by .25 mil to help fill the gap.

USEP is not willing to agree to any of these proposals at this time, as there are still many unknown economic factors. USEP President Lynne Webb and Business Representative Jim Ciadella met with the Superintendent and key staff on August 16th and requested updated financial figures regarding fund balances for 2009-2010, early retirement options, savings from resignations/retirements, updated salary matricies, etc. The Federal Jobs Bill that recently passed could also play a key role in the District’s financial picture, as will the final insurance package that the District/Union Insurance Committee will be recommending later this week. Another important program that could have an economic impact is Race to the Top. USEP and District leaders will meet tomorrow to discuss the federal grant program and any possible implementation in Pasco.

All of these topics will be shared with USEP Building Representatives this Tuesday evening at the USEP Representative Council meeting.