Schools question wage cuts

For lack of quorum, the Board of Education last Friday failed to approve the 10 per cent pay cut for the Public School System effective January 1999.

The absence of Chairman Marja Lee Taitano and member Frances H. Diaz, who were both off-island, pushed the verdict for the pay cut next week.

However, the scheduled meeting heard opposition on the pay cut from a number of school principals, teachers and parents.

Based on their comments, the urgent move of PSS to resolve its payroll deficit is sending mixed signals to its work force.

It solicited reactions brought about by the false assumption that the economic crisis was only in the papers and the continued delay of the executive branch to implement swift changes to live within budget.

The schools took it as an easy way out for PSS officials to resolve budgetary constraints in the absence of a substantial research in dealing with the current crisis.

Unlike other government agencies, PSS has been vocal about their plans to reduce salary and the issuance of the 90-day renewal contracts.

Last week, the Fiscal and Personnel Committee adopted the motion for the Board to entertain a 10 percent pay cut effective January.

“The principals feel that the decision of the Fiscal and Personnel Committee is not in the best interest of the PSS and its students,” according to the group’s representative Evelyn Manglona in a letter.

Vice-Principal Andie dela Cruz told the Board that some elected officials have ruled out any pay cuts for teachers since additional money will be appropriated to PSS.

Teachers also complained that they were kept in the dark as far as the financial standing of PSS is concerned.

Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos told the Board that school principals are regularly given financial statements in keeping them abreast about the health of PSS. Teachers have access to such documents, she added.

Together with acting Budget Officer Bill Matson, Inos reiterated the austerity measures which PSS has taken since April but has maintained to keep the schools least disruptive.

Even with the opposition, the pay cut remains the most promising option as opposed to reduced working hours and lay-offs.

“I’m voting for the 10 percent cut,” acting BOE Chairman Thomas Pangelinan told the group. “It’s the best option we can have for the entire organization,” added member Anthony Pellegrino.