May 9, 2009 in Letters

Sacrifice felt unevenly

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Once again, when we are in a budget crisis, the first professionals to potentially lose their jobs are those providing direct services to our children. I take no umbrage with the Spokane Public Schools’ central administration, as I believe most of them are doing an excellent job supporting teachers and staff. I do, however, question why no one (including the media) is talking about the incredible amount of money spent paying executive directors and directors within the teaching/learning department alone.

Using figures from the fall of 2007, over $1.3 million was spent for salaries and benefits to this group of 15 people, ranging from $125,684 to $94,464; this figure does not factor in the other tier of coordinators for this one department, nor does it include the current salary/benefits for this school year.

As an educator, I am painfully aware of the impact on schools during these turbulent times, and as a patron of Spokane Public Schools it is my expectation that the crucial necessity of these central office administrative positions versus educators providing direct services will be closely examined.

Eleanor V. Lathem

Spokane

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