Re-Elect Holyoke's Fiscal Watchdog!

Re-Elect Holyoke's Fiscal Watchdog!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Inside the Rail: Council passes Resolution to School Dept: High Priced Administrators need to lead by example!

Councilor Jourdain was proud to announce that the City Council voted 14-1 on a voice vote (Councilor Devine voted no) to pass a resolution he offered to send a strong message to School Department Administrators earning over $75,000 per year: you need to lead by example.

Jourdain noted that there has been many calls for sacrifice and hiring freezes by the senior leadership of the schools at 57 Suffolk Street. Yet, despite closing multiple schools, declining enrollment and the new competition of a charter school, the Top Brass at School Headquarters earning over $75,000; specifically, the Business Administrator and the Superintendent have continued to take hefty payraises.

Everyone deserves a fair wage and a good pay but enough is enough with the six figure salaries for people who are calling on their subordinates to make sacrifices. The school committee needs to stop with the payraises for those over six figures who should have no problem managing on what they are receiving currently. Leadership demands greater sensitivity to the financial condition of the schools.

Jourdain also renewed his support for his colleagues on the Finance Committee who have been trying for months to get a written line item budget for the school department.