This is an open letter to the hard working Food Service and Maintenance Workers, of the Neosho R-5 School District. The views expressed here are my own and do not represent the opinions of the Neosho School Board, as a whole........
I wish to begin by expressing my heartfelt admiration and appreciation of the work done everyday, by each and every one of you. Recently, I asked for the Neosho School Board to hold discussions on privatization of Food Services and Maintenance Services. Since that proposal was made, I have heard feedback suggesting some of you were in fear of losing your jobs. I have also heard some mis-information. I would like to take a moment to address the reasoning behind my proposal and explain my policy stance..........
Like all School Districts, in Missouri, the Neosho R5 School District faces an uncertain financial future. During the past two sessions of the Missouri Legislature, bills have been passed that, in my opinion, adversely effect the budgets of school districts. Tax collection changes, from last year alone, have already caused us to lose around $500,000 in revenue. There are Bills pending currently that if enacted are projected to cause us to lose a total of $1.2 million to $1.5 million, per year!!!
When I ran for School Board, nearly three years ago, I promised to thoroughly examine all aspects of School Operations to help guide Neosho to being the very best, for the most reasonable investment. I have kept that promise and this issue is a furtherance of my pledge to our community.
The Neosho School Board has enacted many cost saving measures, in the past 2 1/2 years. For example, we have restructured the Health Care Trust and contracted with a new Third Party Administrator, which is expected to save the taxpayers $400,000 to $500,000 per year. We have purchased new propane powered school buses, which are projected to save taxpayers $100,000 to $200,000, over 3 years. We have refinanced outstanding Debt to lower interest rates, which is expected to save $1 million , over the next 13 years. Point is, we, as a Board are being good managers of taxpayer money.
The proposal to privatize your specific jobs is a furtherance of these efforts and also in response to looming budget cuts, at the State Level.
First, let me assure you, the discussions about this issue are in their infancy. There will be no back room deals, no hidden agendas, no tricks! We will conduct meetings in the open and you or any member of the public are not only able to attend, you are encouraged to come help us plan. Please come to our meetings!
Personally, on my own, I have been researching this proposal for more than a year. I have spoken to several school districts and colleges, who use Private Contractors. I have spent hours upon hours reading online studies and articles about these programs.
My motivation is simple, I desire to find out if we can save real taxpayer money, while at the same time protecting our employees and providing better services to our "customers". I wish to find a way to provide raises to each of you in Food Service and Maintenance. About a year ago, I loudly advocated for a raise for each of you and was able to get Board support to provide a smaller than hoped for raise for the Maintenance Staff.
Being a Government Worker myself, I know the struggles of living within a limited budget. It is difficult to make ends meet, when we don't always get cost of living raises and when pay may be lower than our neighboring School Districts. I will NOT support any proposal to privatize that does not include some type of pay or benefit raise for each of you. Period. If the School District is to save money, I want you to benefit.
I feel horrible every year when I approve the School Budget knowing there are many school employees, who in my opinion, are not making a living wage. Each of you is valued and you do important jobs that allow our School to excel.
IF we find we can save substantial money and provide better services and better pay to you, then I am inclined to advocate for a change to privatization. Such a scenario would be a win - win. The Neosho Commnity Taxpayers will benefit by saving hard earned tax dollars and you will benefit with a better working environment.
IF I find your jobs will be harmed and there are limited or no cost savings, I am done. I will not support such a change.
Superintendent Dan Decker has met with you and explained what we are after. Please trust him and take him at his word. Over the last year, I have come to know Dan personally and he is a man of integrity. He cares about each of you and wants what is best for the Neosho Schools. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your supervisors to seek answers from Dan and he will provide you with whatever knowledge he possesses.
Again, I encourage you to be informed. Don't listen to rumors and fear mongering. Come to our OPEN meetings and hear for yourself what is going on.
I welcome your input , as honestly, I know very little about your respective jobs and you may very well point out issues I have never considered. Working TOGETHER we will take Neosho to the top!!!!!
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Steve Douglas
Member of the Neosho Board of Education
"...If we can't agree, can't we at least be civil?"
