PCSSD Could Be Seeking Taxpayer Assistance
By: Adam Rodriguez, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 19, 2012
The state-controlled Pulaski County School District says it's on its way to solid footing, but the district may ask for taxpayer help.
The state took over the district last summer due to fiscal distress.
Superintendent Jerry Guess says enrollment is up, and they've invested millions in school renovations, but the average building is 42 years old and it's possible the district will ask for a tax increase to pay for facilities.
"We produced a balanced budget. We are not deficit spending. In fact we are growing a balance. We're doing a lot of things like budgeting for bus and maintaining our buildings," Dr. Guess says.
The district is also fighting a legal battle with teacher and staff unions, who are suing to have their contracts reinstated.
The state took over the district last summer due to fiscal distress.
Superintendent Jerry Guess says enrollment is up, and they've invested millions in school renovations, but the average building is 42 years old and it's possible the district will ask for a tax increase to pay for facilities.
"We produced a balanced budget. We are not deficit spending. In fact we are growing a balance. We're doing a lot of things like budgeting for bus and maintaining our buildings," Dr. Guess says.
The district is also fighting a legal battle with teacher and staff unions, who are suing to have their contracts reinstated.
Comments
No tax increase would be needed were it not for the fact that the PCSSD pays administrators far too much. Superintendent Guess's base salary is $215,000 -- more than anyone in the US Senate, or the President's Cabinet! If you agree that is is absurd for someone who teaches no one, yet works for a public school district, to be paid such an astronomical salary, please sign this petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-c-a-p-education-reform-proposal-save-america-s-schools-by-cutting-administrators-pay-with-federal-legislation
Robert A.
October 23, 2012 at 5:27 am
