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Highlands Today

Superintendent Withdraws Survey Seeking Budget Cut Preferences

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By MARC VALERO

Highlands Today

Published: January 30, 2009

SEBRING - Schools Superintendent Wally Cox is withdrawing a survey he distributed recently to administrators, saying that some of the suggested budget reduction measures may be restricted to the bargaining process.

In a memo dated Jan. 20, Cox spelled out the district's revenue shortfall and the need to take further steps to reduce the budget deficit.

He suggested 10 measures to cut district costs and asked his administrators to rank them after discussion with their school staff.

But, believing that half of the suggestions should only be addressed during collective bargaining, Teachers Union President Steve Picklesimer told Cox that the survey may be considered an "unfair labor practice."

The five suggestions that Picklesimer questioned in the survey were: reduce the number of personnel, reduce contract lengths, shift a portion of health insurance premiums to employees, reduce supplemental pay and reduce salaries for every employee.
Picklesimer said Wednesday, "I feel that Mr. Cox and this effort is actually trying to indirectly bargain with the teachers."

In Thursday's memo to withdraw the survey, Cox stated "please understand that the intent of the survey was to educate employees on the budget process, the crisis that education is facing with the budget shortfall and what steps have already have been taken to help with the shortfall.

"Foremost, the intent of the survey was to receive input from you as we work together in making decisions that will affect each and every one of us."

Cox's memo to administrators continues, "However, I have received information that some of the items included in the survey may be restricted to the bargaining process and possibly should not have been included in the survey.

"It was never my intention to circumvent the negotiation process; therefore, I am withdrawing the survey."

Cox stated in conclusion that he continues to welcome and appreciate any suggestions.

Highlands Today reporter Marc Valero can be reached at 386-5826 or mvalero@highlandstoday.com

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