Lee County Public Schools District imposes hiring freeze
In a proactive step to address projected 2011/12 budget shortfalls, Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lawrence Tihen has implemented a “hiring freeze” effective immediately.
Given the state is projecting a $3-$5 billion shortfall (which translates to around $52 million less for Lee County Public Schools) next fiscal year, it’s vital the District review all aspects of operations and one way to save dollars now is by implementing a hiring freeze. Below is an E-mail correspondence sent by Dr. Tihen to all Principals and Department Directors:
Dear Principals and Department Heads:
The FY12 budget cycle is now in full gear, and I want to make sure I communicate clearly throughout the process so everyone is informed of our progress and challenges.
The Governor released his budget early this week – a budget that gives our school district a $52 million loss to contend with for next year (FY12). The Governor’s budget is, of course, only the first draft of what our budget could be; the Legislature must do its work before our final budget is actually determined.
We hope that our final budget will be more generous; however, we believe several themes will be consistent in next year’s budget:
1. Lower property taxes (which means less revenue for us;)
2. No replacement of stimulus funds, and;
3. Some percentage of employee contribution to the retirement fund.
If these things hold true, then major budget challenges will be:
1. Reinstatement of art and music at the elementary level despite decreasing revenue;
2. Reinstatement of planning at the secondary level despite decreasing revenue;
3. How to handle the competing interests of the desire for salary increases to offset retirement contribution, and declining revenue;
4. How to preserve enough reserves to protect us from more major cuts in 2012-2013.
I will continue to take a long term view of the budget as we strategize. A major priority is to limit reductions in staff. To this end, effective immediately, I am instituting a hiring freeze for all central office personnel positions. Any exceptions to this will have to be approved by me. This freeze does not affect school positions yet, but I ask principals to please be thoughtful about filling vacant positions.
Thank you for your assistance as we develop next year’s budget. We have worked well together and come through some difficult times over the past several years, and we expect to do the same this year. We will work hard to provide the resources you need to be successful and to forward a positive educational experience to all students.
________________________________________________________
Joe Donzelli
Director, Communications & Printing Services
Lee County Public Schools
239-461-8420 (office)
239-337-8505 (fax)
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SUNSHINE LAW & PUBLIC RECORDS CAUTION: Most E-mail communications made or received by District staff are considered public records that must be retained and, upon request, made available to the public and media. There should be no expectation of privacy.
From: Donzelli, Joseph
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 9:45 AM
To: Adrian Febles; Amy Tardif; Chris Umpierre; Christina Cepero; Community Voice; Crotty, Martha; Dave Brietenstein; David Plazas; DeShazo, Jennifer; Education Week; Florida Weekly; Fort Myers Beach Observer; Fox News Desk; Heather Mazurkiewicz; Howard, Laura; Jeff Lytle; Jen Calantone; Donzelli, Joseph; Johnson, Karen (Communications & Printing); Kate Lewis; Lee Parenting; Lois Thome; Mae Bashi; Meghan McCoy; Mel Toadvine – 1; Mel Toadvine – 2; N. Fort Myers Nieghbor; NBC-2; NBC-2 News Desk; News-Press School News; Parent/Child Mag.; Robin Wolf; Ruth Melton; Sarah Hollenbeck; Sheldon Zoldan; Shilling, Al; Sill, Jason; Smith, Vera; Terry Eberle – 1; Terry Eberle – 2; The Core – Fl DOE Newsletter; The Corridor; Tiffany Repecki; Tom Hanson; Tulis, Sue; Valarie Harring; WGCU; WINK TV News Desk
Subject: Lee Schools Release – Employee Presenting at National Conference
PRESS RELEASE
Communications Department
Phone: 239-461-8420 Fax: 239-337-8505
Date: February 16, 2011
Contact: Maggie Stevens, Early Childhood Development, 239-332-2512
SUBJECT: DISTRICT EMPLOYEE A PRESENTER AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Lee County Public Schools is proud to announce that Jeanne LaFountain, Principal of the District’s Early Childhood Learning Services, is a presenter at the National Head Start Center for Program Management and Fiscal Operations conference. This national conference, taking place now through Thursday, February 17th in Baltimore, Maryland, focuses on the new Head Start Outcomes for children. Ms. LaFountain will present on the topic Using Data for Program Improvement.
Other panelists at this year’s conference include:
Sharon Hansen, Community Action Partnership, Inc, Dickenson, North Dakota;
Mavany Verdugo, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Valley Center, California;
Kathy Webster, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc, Dunkirk, New York;
and Ross Weaver, Office of Head Start, Regional Program Manager, Region VIII, Denver, Colorado.
Ms. LaFountain was invited to present because the District’s Head Start/Early Head Start program is highly regarded as a national leader for improving school readiness for children through continuous program improvement.