We lowered negotiated health insurance benefits of between 5 and 10 percent for all collective bargaining units and individuals, and we established a union-managed health trust, which saved another 4 to 6 percent annually. Transportation contracts were negotiated with five private bus companies to establish long-term financial stability and lower costs. We did the same thing with medical and auditing contracts. These funds will go toward the much-needed turf replacement at our athletic stadium. Tighten the ship.
All communities complain about school administration being top-heavy.
But our district truly was. Under our cost-saving plan, when administrators left, they were not replaced. The duties of the former administrators were reapportioned among central office and building administrators, leaving eight administrators in the central office. We announced a hiring freeze in the spring of 1997 and again in the spring of 1998. The main reason for these freezes was to keep the tax increase for the following years as low as possible Only positions required by law or contractual agreement were filled when they become vacant.