- School Board looks at employee furlough days as possible cut to save funds
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By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
One of the ways to cut the Juab School District budget and pick up some needed funding may be found through furlough days for employees.
At Friday’s work session, school board members discussed several ways to save money. None of them, they rushed to emphasize, was poured in concrete nor cut in granite. All were just for discussion although one method—furlough days for employees—was discussed extensively.
“These are just brainstorming ideas,” said Darin Clark, district business administrator. “They are not even recommendations they are just ideas that might be used as possible tools to create savings.”
Throughout the USA, furloughs have been one of the methods considered in making up the deficit facing multiple districts this school year. Loss of some previously funded programs in Juab School District has also created a need for cost savings. The target for making the budget balance is $851,576. One furlough day could save as much as $32,250.
If furlough days do occur, they would likely include all employees and not be limited to teachers. That could also create a problem, however, agreed board members.
Employees in a school district consist of certified (teachers) known as licensed professionals and classified (support) such as secretarial and maintenance. There are also administrative positions. In addition there are substitutes and teacher’s assistants. It would be difficult on a bread-winner whose number of working days had been cut to also be forced into a furlough day.
“Some employees could take a double hit,” said Wright.
“It is critical that we carefully think all proposals through,” said Delanie Hathaway, board president.
Why would furlough days work?
“If schools have to be in session a specified number of days,” asked John Reinhard, an interested patron, “then, how do furlough days save money?”
“Teachers sign contracts for 184 days and students must be in school for 180 days,” said Superintendent Kirk Wright.
Furlough days work in that, not only are wages saved but buildings are not heated, cleaned nor do they have to be opened. They are, essentially, shut down which saves not only wages but utility bills. Teachers could not take time off during teaching days because the school would have to hire substitutes. That would not represent a substantial saving. In addition to teaching days, teachers have days for administrative work or professional development and those are the days that would be targeted.
Public Schools would not shut down on days when students are supposed to be in school. Therefore, students will attend the state-mandated 180 days. The days would be taken during paid professional development days when students are off, but teachers and other employees are normally on duty.
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