CATAWISSA R.R. - Cooperation with unions and employees make the difference in saving programs at Southern Columbia Area School District.
The district's board of education voted 7-0 Monday to allow the administration, along with BSI Corporate Benefits LLC, to meet with several union representatives and employees to discuss the possible withdrawal from the Central Susquehanna Regional School Employees' Health and Welfare Trust.
Superintendent Charles Reh informed the board that through budget cuts, retirements, reassignments, a four-day week during January and February, and furloughs - all of which have to be approved by the school board - a deficit of about $400,000 remains in the 2012-13 budget. That could be eliminated through a combination of measures.
"The referendum extension could raise $313,000 for Southern," Reh said Monday. "Combine that with a salary pay freeze of $200,000 and health care savings of $220,000, and we could maintain all of our programs and not have any alterations."
BSI President Anthony DaRe said the meeting will show the employees what plan has been negotiated and what it means for the employees.
"Everyone needs to understand that there needs to be some give and take here if we want to keep all of our programs in tact," Reh said.
Board vice president Charles Porter made the motion, seconded by Charlene Cove. Porter, Cove, Michael Yeager, Rick Steele, Tim Vought, Eric Stahley and John Yocum voted for the meeting.
The board also approved the resignation of board member Dawnmarie Buriak, who informed the superintendent that due to health issues, she didn't feel she could serve on the board effectively. She had served on the board since December 2011.
This currently leaves two open seats on the board after Ronald Brobst resigned in January.
A report on other items discussed at the meeting will appear in Wednesday's edition.