On 8/26/09, Helen wrote:
> On Monday we received a letter from our principal stating
> that due to lower than expected enrollment and the
> resulting budget issues, we have all (staff, teachers-full
> and part time) been asked to take a voulntary pay cut. The
> amount we give up is to be decided by each of us, and we
> need to let the school know by Monday what our decision is.
> The only person who will know what (or whether) we give up
> is the financial director. Our principal will not know who
> gave, and how much.If enough is not given up then there
> will be across the board pay decreases and layoffs. The pay
> decrease they are hoping for is 10% of each salary, so it
> is very significant.
> I am wondering if any of you are or have ever been in a
> similar situation and how everything is working out at your
> school. Needless to say, we are all scared and upset. It's
> difficult to teach and work under all of this stress. Any
> advice? Thanks.

We have a pay freeze. I teach at a Christian school and am a
member of the church. I have, on my own, decided to give more
to the church...getting tax credit for a donation, helping
out the school and making sure all the teachers get, at
least, last year's salary.

I guess it is somewhat palatable to have just the financial
director know the amount. Hopefully, he will not consider the
amount as an indicator of your devotion to your job, but that
it will be considered what you could afford under your family
circumstances.

I understand the concern...worry about having a job. I also
think the financial director needs to watch how money is
being spent, etc., even if you can do newsletters for some
people online to reduce paper usage, etc.

We are doing some cost cutting measures at our school.
Supplements to our benefits are cut. Conference money and
attendance is cut. We also are prioritizing to not be "penny
wise and pound foolish." While looking at details, we also
have to look at the bigger picture for the future.

I wish you well.... Hang in there....

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