PERRY SCHOOL DISTRICT - HIGH ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS?

The Perry School District doesn't get it - today is not the time to let costs get out of hand. We understand the Perry School Board just approved an outrageous contract for their Treasurer. Whats more bothersome is that his contract doesn't expire until 2010 - the school board didn't need to enter into this contract until the new board is in place next year.

We question whether this was done due to the fiscally conservative nature of 1 or 2 of the new board members and the fear that this wouldn't be approved after the new board is seated without a fight. What makes this more bothersome is that the contract was renewed for 5 years - sad but we'll talk about this more in a subsequent blog. We are trying to obtain a copy of the Treasurer's contract to make available to our readers.

We received the following from one of our readers on Perry's administrative overhead costs, and a comparison of Perry Schools with other high spending districts. Clearly when it comes to spending Perry appears to be tops - unfortunately for the taxpayers.

"Further on the outlandish Perry Administrative overhead:

A number of weeks ago all districts were required to file a report with ODE called "Average Salary of All School Personnel (District)," for this past school year.

In a comparison with Chagrin Falls, one of the twelve districts the Perry administration and board wanted to be compared to, had 34 more students enrolled than Perry this past school year. Under the category 'Official/Administrative,' further proof, if needed, is established of runaway administrative overhead in Perry.

Chagrin Falls had 10 people in this administrative category costing a total of $922,040 in base salaries for the year. Adding in their benefits percentage of 32% Chagrin Falls total in this category was $1,217,093

Perry had 14 people in this administrative category costing a total of $1,271,886 in base salaries for the year - $349,846 more - 38% greater. Adding in Perry's benefits percentage of 40% Perry's total in this category was - $1,780,640 or $563,547 more than Chagrin Falls spent - 46% more in administrative overhead. This does not include 'perks' for either district.

To put this into a proper perspective Chagrin Falls scored 107.0 on the state's Performance Index - Perry was barely over 100 at 100.2. Chagrin Falls again qualified for the states highest educational honor - Excellent with Distinction. Perry barely stayed in the Excellent category.

Chagrin Falls does not have an assistant superintendent. Neither do five of the other districts Perry chose to be compared with. Four of these five districts - Bay Village, Orange, Rocky River, and West Geauga also received the 'Excellent with Distinction' honor without an assistant superintendent. How come?

$563,547 isn't chump change, and almost falling into the 'effective' range educationally isn't a blue ribbon winner. All this executive cost, for what?"

As always you can contact us at carecommitteepac@yahoo.com.