Top education officials had their chance Thursday to persuade County Council members against proposed cuts to the 2007 draft budget, and like other department heads in budget hearings earlier this week, they asked the council not to increase turnover.
Increasing additional personnel turnover savings throughout the college system could save as much $1.75 million, but Community College of Baltimore County Chancellor Sandra Kurtinitis said the budget already calls for $675,000. There are 103 vacancies throughout CCBC, she said.
“The college is in a state of considerable transition,” she said. “We?re very concerned that we?ve already taken a hit with turnover, and this is a very significant amount.”
Council Member Kevin Kamenetz, D-District 2, said the county could save $140,000 by cutting an executive staff vacancy, but Kurtinitis said she would like to use that money toward support positions, like minority recruitment.
In addition to turnover, Schools Superintendent Joe Hairston defended funding for travel, bus insurance and incentive pay for staff at Woodlawn Middle School ? the only county school in jeopardy of a state takeover ? and increased teachers? salaries.
“We can?t pick and choose which schools have the best teachers,” Hairston said. “Every school must have highly qualified teachers.”
Council Member Vince Gardina, D-District 5, asked Hairston to tighten requirements for proving students in county schools live in the county and to create a plan to conserve energy.
Hairston and Kurtinitis said they received copies of the proposed cuts just hours before their scheduled hearings, allowing limited time to prepare their arguments.
County auditor Brian Rowe blamed the delays on other agencies that were uncooperative during scheduling.
The council hopes to adopt a final budget May 25.
