School board looking at cutting staff’s days to save costs

The Maricopa Unified School District’s Governing Board will decide Wednesday on whether to implement a budget-cutting maneuver that would eliminate 12 to 56 days off the contracts of district support staff.

The reduction of workdays would affect between 150 and 200 employees, saving the district nearly $250,000, through lower salaries and the elimination of vacation benefits for some.

“This is a cost-saving move the district has decided to make,” said Heidi Fawcett, district human resource director.

Those who would see the largest reductions in salaries include custodians, with 56 days cut from their calendar year, and elementary school secretaries and registrars who may see a 21-day reduction.

“It is difficult to cut days off teachers’ and administrators’ work years because those people need to be on campus,” Fawcett said.

While the nearly 600 teachers and administrators will not be affected by this possible move, the board will vote on freezing salaries with the possibility of a future upward or downward adjustment depending on state and federal funding levels.

“Until we have additional information on funding levels, we cannot make a decision to increase or decrease salaries,” Fawcett said.

The board will also hear presentations on the district’s budget and a possible increase in athletic fees for middle school students.

If you go

What: Maricopa Unified School District Board Meeting
Where: Maricopa High School, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.
When: Wednesday. Study session 5 p.m., regular session 6 p.m.