PUSD Cuts Employees’ Work Days

Posted on March 9, 2011

Nonteaching employees in the Poway Unified School District will work eight days less next year, a move approved earlier this week by the PUSD school board designed to reduce costs by about $982,000.

About 1,250 instructional aides and office, clerical and technical workers – represented by the Poway School Employees Association – will see salary reductions of up to 3.7 percent as a result of the decision. The district’s contract with the employees expired June 30, 2010.

Two other employee unions previously agreed to work a shorter year for less pay when the district reduced its school year from 180 days to 175 days.

The board also approved 17 to 33 percent increases to breakfast and lunch prices at all grade levels by 17 to 33 percent to keep up with rising food, supplies and other costs. Middle and high school lunches will increase the most—75 cents—to $3.

The cost of the program has risen 23-25 percent over the past six years while meal prices have remained stable, bringing the cost of the program to $8.1 million, Lewis said. Higher gas prices, more environmentally friendly products and higher building rent have increased program costs, he said. The higher meal prices are expected to bring in an additional $400,000 to $450,000 next year.