An editorial in today’s Observer-Reporter supports Avella and Fort Cherry exploring the option of sharing a superintendent as a way to trim Avella’s budget.
“The cutbacks seem most difficult for small school districts. Avella, for instance, operates on a $9.31 million annual budget. Even with a tax increase, it must find $900,000 in savings - almost 10 percent - next fiscal year to balance its budget. The district anticipates $600,000 less from the state, and at the same time figures expenses will increase $300,000. With many of its costs sheltered by labor contracts and state mandates, trimming 10 percent is no easy task.”
“Of the 19 school districts in Washington and Greene counties, only Avella and Fort Cherry have explored joining forces to tackle their budget problems; they are considering having one superintendent for both districts.”
Observer-Reporter May 20, 2011
Was the sharing of administrative services with Fort Cherry on the agenda for the May 11 Avella school board meeting?
Was it brought up by one of the board members and then discussed?
Could this “last minute agenda item” be history repeating itself?
Is Fort Cherry being fair to Avella with full disclosure, so Avella can explore other options?
Has Fort Cherry offered its superintendent’s resume and employment history to Avella?
Any candidate's misstatement of fact material to qualifications for employment or
determination of salary shall constitute grounds for dismissal by the Board.
Avella Area School District
Policy #302
EMPLOYMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT/
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT - Pg. 3
http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/300.pdf
Avella should proceed with caution. . . . .
