Trustees renew teacher contracts

April 8, 2011

Big Spring Independent School District is finding other ways to make budget cuts without going to the employee chopping block.

Thursday, BSISD trustees approved contracts through the 2011-2012 for all professional employees.

“A lot of hard work went into making this possible,” Superintendent Steven Saldivar said following the meeting, which lasted only about a half-hour.

Because of state budgetary shortfalls, BSISD is projected to lose up to $4 million for the next fiscal year. The fact that personnel costs account for almost 80 percent of the district's budget meant job security was at least an emotional issue.

However, Thursday's action by the board means most teachers can be assured they will remain employed. A number of personnel took advantage of a $1,000 early resignation incentive offered earlier this year and the district has been able to save some funds by not filling vacancies.

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