Nazareth Area School Board pursues salary freeze from teachers

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

The Nazareth Area School Board could increase class sizes, cut programs or lay off employees to shrink a projected budget deficit, according to a district officials.

The district is pursuing a wage freeze or some type of deferment of raises from its two largest labor unions, teacher and custodians, school administrators say.

Next year's budget carries a projected $731,000 deficit after Gov. Tom Corbett earlier this month released his preliminary state budget proposal. The district unveiled a $69.18 million 2012-13 budget earlier this year.

Following the meeting, Board President Lorin Bradley said the board received initial feedback from the teachers union, but would only say discussions are a "work in progress." He had no update from the custodians union.

He said teachers in nearby districts have agreed to salary freezes.

"Obviously, there are a number of school districts that are neighbors that are doing the same thing," Bradley said. "We are hopeful we can come to a similar agreement."

Bradley said if the unions do not agree to a wage freeze, the board will first consider increasing class sizes before cutting any existing programs. Superintendent Victor Lesky previously said layoffs also would be discussed and some positions of retiring employees might not be filled.

Bradley said the board's audit and finance committee will discuss ways to balance the budget as early as Tuesday evening and all options to reduce the budget shortfall will be considered.

"A number of our teachers recognize the gravity of the budget situation," Bradley said. "As we discuss this information with the teachers union representatives, we're hopeful it's being shared with the teachers and they're taking the facts into consideration and making informed decisions."

District Teacher's Union President Aris Asdourian did not immediately return a phone call Monday evening seeking comment.

There was minimal discussion about the budget during tonight's school board meeting. Lesky said the district is awaiting retirement letters from district employees on March 1. Northampton County's revised tax assessment figures are expected to be released on April 1.

Lesky told the public that information will result in final budget determinations.

The budget includes a 0.95-mill property tax increase or a 2 percent hike, pushing the district’s tax rate to 48.64 mills. The proposed 2 percent tax hike means the owner of a property assessed at the district average of $67,400 would pay $74 more annually in taxes. Lesky said the school board will not exceed the 2 percent tax hike.

"The school board with administrators will continue to find opportunities to save resources and finances," Bradley said. "And it's our intent to continue that process throughout the budget cycle."

The school board has until June 30 at the latest to finalize its budget, under state law.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2012/02/nazareth_school_board_pursues.html