By Dave Stafford, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON, Ind. — Saying he was “frustrated” with the pace of cost-cutting negotiations with the teachers union, South Madison Community Schools Superintendent Tom Warmke said he planned to disclose at Thursday’s school board meeting what the schools have asked teachers to sacrifice.
The head of the teachers union said she was “baffled” by the decision.
The school corporation and the South Madison Classroom Teachers Association have been bargaining for months over concessions that the schools have asked from teachers to bridge a budget gap of more than $2 million.
The deficit caused the school board recently to approve cuts that include eliminating as many as 15 teaching positions, plus school nurses and librarians. Several programs, including the WEEM radio station, also were eliminated.
Warmke said Tuesday that his decision to inform the public of the concessions being requested by the administration was unusual compared with typical negotiations.
“Quite frankly, I’m frustrated with the slow pace, the unwillingness of teachers” to address South Madison’s budget shortfall, Warmke said. He said his decision to announce the proposals will allow people to “draw their own conclusions.” Margaret Eversole, president of the South Madison Classroom Teachers Association, said the teachers have been bargaining in good faith. “We are trying very hard to reach a settlement,” she said. “We’ve been making concessions, and we need to make more.”
She said that she would not disclose concessions that teachers have made because negotiations are continuing.
“We’ve been trying to work in a professional manner to get a settlement so our children won’t be hurt any more than is necessary because of the economy. ... We’re trying very hard to take the high road,” Eversole said.
In a statement, Warmke said, “Because of the magnitude of the (state funding) cuts, the patrons of our school district expect a much higher level of transparency and accountability in school governance. The Board of School Trustees believes that we are no longer in an era where the bargaining process can always be kept secret from the public.”
Warmke said, “The administration will be releasing the latest proposals from the South Madison Teachers Association and from the Board of School Trustees.”
Warmke has repeatedly said South Madison teachers enjoy some of the richest insurance benefits of any school district in the state, and that those benefits could bankrupt the system.
The teachers have said they negotiated a generous benefits package because salaries at South Madison are lower than at many comparable school systems.
Separately, Warmke said he will recommend another cost-cutting measure at Thursday’s meeting. He will ask the board to eliminate summer school at the high school level.
An alternate program, such as online learning, would likely take its place, he said.
Public meeting
What: South Madison Community Schools board
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18
Where: Administration Center
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
