February 12, 2003

Galveston ISD Board of Education

The Galveston Independent School District Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday night to declare that a "financial exigency" exists as a prelude to a reduction in force that will be recommended by Superintendent Lynn Hale, who moments earlier had been hired for the position.

By declaring a financial exigency, the school board will be able to lay off employees who otherwise would be protected by contracts.

Hale, who had previously been a consultant charged with analyzing the organizational structure of the school district, outlined her plans, which include pay increases for GISD employees who are not included in a reduction in force.

"The current organizational management structure is inefficient," Hale said in her address to the school board and a meeting room packed with GISD employees and others. Listen "There is a lack of coordination, communication and overlapping of job responsibilities within the curriculum and instruction department."

She also cited a lack of accountability within the system, "with the exception of student performance measures."

Hale recommended eliminating 22 central office positions, while creating six new positions for a net reduction of 16.  She estimated that the reduction in staff will provide a net savings of $716,000.

She said personnel whose jobs are eliminated will have the option to apply for available positions or accept a severance package.

Her recommendations totaled $4,220,120 in current expenditures as justifiable cost reductions.

"GISD is already at the tax cap for maintenance and operations and no new state money will limit the district's options to fund future teachers' raises and district improvements," said Hale.  "Now, more than ever, we must closely scrutinize our budget for possible cuts."

Hale will bring specific recommendations to the board at its next meeting.

Gulf Coast E-news is a publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 926 Broadway in Galveston and 2500 South Shore Boulevard, Suite C Marina in Clear Lake.  Call (409) 763-NEWS (6397) or (281) 334-NEWS (6397) in the Clear Lake area.  For additional information, or to order a free, one-week complimentary subscription to Gulf Coast E-news, email News@guidrynews.com.