District Ready to OK 7% Raise for Teachers
The board of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District is expected to approve a 7% raise for teachers today, but members still have to decide what cuts to make to pay for instructors’ increased salaries.
“It’s really hard because after the embezzlement and the bankruptcy, we cut all the fat,” said Trustee Dana Black. “Now we are having to cut the lean.”
The board has not approved any budget cuts to cover the $3.3 million it needs to pay for teachers’ raises.
So far, board members have only specified that they will not cut music and physical education programs, even if district officials recommend they be cut.
The board has directed certain departments within the district--such as the superintendent’s office, transportation department and purchasing departments--to cut their budgets by 10%. The board itself has agreed to trim its budget by 10%.
Board members said there are likely to be some layoffs as a result of budget cuts in the individual departments.
“I don’t know how many people exactly, or where they will come from, but I am sure there will be layoffs,” said Board President Martha Fluor.
The board meets tonight at 7 p.m. at the Harper Community Center, 825 E. 18th Street, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 760-3500.
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