This is the Northville, Michigan school district
Talk of outsourcing heats up Northville school board meeting
Up to $1M in savings in custodial services alone
Emotions ran high at Hillside Middle School on Monday night when the Northville Public Schools Board of Education held a study session to begin looking at the benefits and challenges of privatizing some of the district’s support services.
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Northville Public Schools (NPS) could save between $.5 million and $1million in salary and benefits, with potential hidden costs set aside, per year if they choose to outsource custodial services. The board and superintendent stressed that no decision has been made yet. But if they do decide to outsource, 54 custodial, 49 transportation and 45 food service current jobs will be lost.
When asked if the board has considered keeping employees who are close to putting in 30 years so they can receive retirement benefits, Wadsworth said, “No.” When asked if the board is considering making cuts in any other departments, Wadsworth talked about cuts made in the past, but did not mention any current attempts.
A tearful bus driver spoke about custodians, teachers, food service personnel and bus drivers all having an effect on students’ lives in one way or another. She said that administrators don’t personally touch the lives of Northville children and therefore, cuts should be made at the top of the tree, not at the bottom.
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