School Board Votes to Adopt Contingency Staffing Plan

Muskego-Norway School Superintendent Joe Schroeder laid out the contingency plan for staffing in the event that Act 10, or more commonly known as the budget repair bill, does not become law.

"I still believe it's likely that Act 10 will become law, possibly even yet this month," Schroeder said.  "We currently have a balanced budget assuming that Act 10 goes on, but we need to have some response in place should it go away."

Estimates are that MNSD would feel an additional loss of $1.3 million if collective bargaining and insurance plans were to remain as is.  The budget repair bill would eliminate collective bargaining and allow school districts to realize a higher pay-in by employees to their benefits.

Schroeder's plan would put a hold on hiring staffing positions that equate to 16.7 full-time equivalents (FTEs).  Many of these positions are empty due to retirements, and would net a savings of more than $662,000 to the budget.  

In addition, $288,238 would be be saved through the transfer and layoff of existing staff.  Positions involving psychologists, literacy and reading specialists, math and one custodian would be impacted.

A 2011-2012 salary freeze would also be implemented, which could net the district more than $300,000, and the reduction in budgets for professional development, special projects and the educational services center would take effect.

The board took up the resolution immediately following Schroeder's proposal, passing the contingency plan unanimously.