Rethink top pay hikes

The May 16 article regarding Spokane School District budget cuts has left me with a few questions for the school board.

Last year, after declaring we were in a budget crisis, the board gave 33 central staff administrators (directors, executive directors and superintendents) raises from 1.74 percent to 9.09 percent. This figure does not include benefits.

Now, they are recommending a 3 percent cut; does this mean that those 11 who received over 3.06 percent will keep their raises? I am a taxpayer, and it seems to me, at all levels, more equitable to return those salaries to the 2009-’10 school year.

I would also appreciate knowing more specifics regarding the statement that, “since the 2002-’03 school year, positions in central administration have been reduced by 14.43 percent.” Gosh, with the current number of 33 positions in upper management, it is difficult imagining those reductions were in management and not clerical/support staff.

Finally, the quote from Mr. Treppiedi about hiring another administrator brings back the term: shock and awe. And I mean that in the truest sense of the phrase.

Eleanor V. Lathem

Spokane