April 15, 2010

Valued Employees,

Thank you for your support during our budget crisis. The furlough survey results once again reminded me why I enjoy working with all of you. Almost 400 employees took the furlough survey, and 88% of you indicated that you would be willing to participate in a furlough this year in order to help the district. Thank you for your generosity.

I discussed the possibility of a furlough with the district attorney. The attorney explained that even a voluntary furlough for those who have contracts is illegal. Basically, contracts are collectively bargained and asking people with contracts to even voluntarily reduce their contract would be a violation of collective bargaining and contract law.

On Tuesday, I updated the School Board about the attorney’s findings. This left the only option of furlough to our classified staff. The Board decided not to furlough classified staff this school year because, as one Board Member said, “what is good for the goose is good for the gander.” In other words, we should be a team in how we approach reductions. The School Board did not wish to single out one group of employees.

In short, we will not be asking for employees to take voluntary furlough days this school year.
So how can you help? Continue to provide us with your ideas of how to reduce our expenses or increase our revenue by contributing your ideas via the District’s news web site.

A number of our employees have asked me if they could still participate in a furlough. The answer is yes and no. If you are a classified employee, discuss the possibility of a voluntary furlough with your supervisor. An option for all employees is to consider instead of making a financial contribution to the school district. In turn, we will provide you with a letter that you can use for tax purposes. Send donations to the Kuna School District via the District Office in care of Bryan Fletcher.

Celebrations!

If you have a celebration that you'd like to share, we encourage you visit the District's news web site and select the "Rumors, Questions and Feedback" tab.

Budget Updates

Budget Reductions Ideas Posted to KSD News

1. To review any or all of the 167 the budget ideas that have already been submitted, please do the following:
2. Go to news web site
3. Scroll over the tab labeled “Budget.”
4. Select “Review Budget Selections.”
5. Sort each of the fields to organize the list.